Organisations anticipate a notable increase in calls from young individuals dealing with exam stress, highlighting its widespread impact.
- Between April 2023 and March 2024, Childline conducted over 1,800 counselling sessions addressing exam-related anxieties.
- Common issues include students feeling isolated, pressured by parental and academic expectations, and experiencing disrupted sleep due to stress.
- Expert Lynn Crilly advises on understanding stress as a normal part of education but warns of its potentially serious consequences if left unchecked.
- Practical strategies such as self-care, organisation, planning post-exam activities, seeking help, and open communication are recommended to manage stress effectively.
Charities are preparing for a substantial increase in support requests from children, teenagers, and university students affected by exam stress, suggesting the significant impact of such pressures on the young population. Notably, Childline reported delivering 1,819 counselling sessions from April 2023 to March 2024, with a peak in May, underlining the intense period of stress associated with exams.
Young individuals frequently report feeling emotionally drained from extensive revision, isolated from peers, and overwhelmed by the pressure to perform academically. The stress is exacerbated by comparisons with peers’ results and heightened parental and teacher expectations, which can lead to anxiety and interrupted sleep patterns.
Lynn Crilly, a counsellor who works closely with students and parents, stresses the importance of recognising stress as a common academic hurdle. However, she cautions that if it is not managed properly, it may lead to irritability, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating, impacting academic performance adversely.
To counteract these effects, Crilly offers practical advice: prioritising self-care through regular sleep, nutritious eating, and leisure activities; maintaining an organised approach by preparing for exams ahead of time; envisioning future plans post-exams to alleviate ongoing anxiety; and importantly, not hesitating to seek assistance from educational support services if required.
Additionally, open dialogues with peers are encouraged to foster a supportive environment, as understanding and sharing experiences can significantly help reduce feelings of loneliness and stress.
The expert guidance provided by Crilly underscores the necessity for strategic management of exam stress, combining personal wellness with practical preparation and effective communication.
Effectively managing exam stress requires strategic planning, support, and communication to mitigate its adverse impacts on students.
