Teens urged to talk through exam worries

WITH hundreds of teenagers in Larne getting ready for GCSE, AS and A Level exams, the branch of the Samaritans that covers the borough has urged anyone anxious about the tests to talk about their feelings.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th May 2010, 19:30 BST
Updated 18th May 2010, 19:42 BST

A survey conducted by Samaritans and YouGov reveals that exams and the pressure to achieve high marks are one of the biggest worries for nearly a third of young people aged 18 to 24.

Alan Thompson, director for Ballymena branch of Samaritans said: “It is natural to feel anxious around this time. If you feel alone and are struggling to manage your stress during the exam period, talking about your feelings can help.

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“Not only does talking offer emotional relief but it can also help you to gain perspective and clarity before your emotions spiral out of control and become unmanageable. If you feel there is no one you can talk to this is where Samaritans can help: we are there to offer you confidential emotional support 24/7, so please do get in touch at any time.”

Dr Mike Shooter, Samaritans’ trustee and youth mental health expert, offers his top tips to students on how to survive the current exam period:

“Exams can bring with them a whirlwind of emotions: panic, anxiety, fear of failure and fear about the future – getting into university or finding a job following the recession. My advice to students therefore is:

DO plan your revision timetable well in advance, with a comfortable amount of work per day. Leaving everything to the last minute will just increase your stress.

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DO include in your timetable regular breaks for doing things entirely outside your work. Having time off to socialise with friends and family or just enjoying life by yourself will actually improve your performance when you are working.

DO look after yourself physically – eat healthily, sleep well and get regular exercise. Stress often undermines physical health if you let it, so these things are important.

Do try to get things into perspective. Although exams are important, remember they are not your only chance at success in life.

DON'T drink heavily or take drugs. You may think it will help at the time but it will only make things worse in the longer run.”

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Dr Shooter, is hosting a live webcast on May 27 from 7-8pm. If you are worried about exams – whether you are a student, parent or teacher – you will be able to email in your questions and Mike and his guests will be there to offer advice and support. Please see the Samaritans’ website for further details: www.samaritans.org

Related topics:GCSELarne