MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Holidays can be challenging. Being away from your usual routine and not getting to see your friends, teachers or supports as often as you would like can leave you feeling bored, lost or anxious, but it’s important to remember that there are still supports available for when you, or someone you know, is having a difficult time.

See below factsheets for more information:

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MANAGING EXAM STRESS

Why do people experience exam stress?

Worry they might fail or not do well
Don't feel prepared
Want to do really well
Don’t have much time to study
Need to get a certain result
Find it hard to understand what they’re studying
Feel pressure from family to get good marks
Feel they need to compete with others
Have other things happening in their life

What does exam stress look like?

People might experience physical symptoms, like trouble sleeping, feeling sick in the stomach, headaches and muscle tension, and fidgeting, nail-biting and teeth grinding.

Exam stress can also be mental or emotional, like feeling confused, being irritable, feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation and withdrawing from family, friends and things you normally enjoy.

Tips to help while studying:

Exam day:

Work out what you need to take with you on exam day and organise this the night before.
Go to the toilet before the exam starts.
If you feel yourself getting worried before your exam - spend some time focusing on your breathing.
When you sit down to do your exam, take time to slow your breathing and relax.
Read through the exam paper carefully. Underline key words and instructions.
Work out how long you have for each question or section.
Aim to have time to re-read answers through and to make any changes.
Work on the questions that you find easiest first. You don’t have to go in order.

After the exam:

Stay positive: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey.
Have a plan in place for what you’ll do when you receive your results, including both positive and negative scenarios.
Manage expectations: Remind yourself that exam results are not the only measure of your worth or future success. Explore alternative pathways and options, such as further study, apprenticeships, or gap years.

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Parenting is the most important and challenging job in today’s rapidly changing world – but children and young people don’t come with a handbook. At ParentZone, we offer all carers and parents a chance to develop and strengthen their parenting skills and create positive change in their family. We provide free parenting groups, workshops, resources, and training for parents and the professionals who work with them. Upcoming courses for parents/carers below:

ParentZone Podcasts

The ParentZone Pods identify common issues parents bring to our parenting groups and explores these in detail. We not only discuss the issues and concerns parents bring but also offer strategies parents can try in these situations.