Students offered mental health support ahead of exam results
9 August 2024
As exam results time approaches, it can be an anxious time for young people.
It's normal to feel concerned about results but this can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. If those feelings are becoming overwhelming, it's important that young people know they are not alone and there is support out there.
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) is encouraging students to use the 'Text SUSSEX to 85258' service if they are feeling stressed or anxious about their exams.
Text SUSSEX to 85258 offers a free, discreet and confidential way for people to access support for their mental health and wellbeing via their mobile phones.
Jodie Olliver, Head of Service for Sussex CAMHS at SPFT, said: "Recognising stress is very important, as many young people are under a lot of pressure but they might not know what some of those symptoms are.
"If you are experiencing extreme stress you might be experiencing stomach problems, insomnia and headaches.
"A lot of people find it hard to relax and might withdraw from social activities. We encourage people to talk about feelings and share their concerns, as it's likely that many of your peers will be feeling the same as you right now."
Signs of extreme stress or anxiety include:
- Being unable to relax or switch off because you are preoccupied with thoughts of exams
- Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to socialise
- Insomnia, excessive tiredness or loss of appetite
- Becoming aggressive or negative
- Very low mood, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Advice on dealing with stress and anxiety:
- Share your feelings with others if possible - talk to your friends or family about your current emotions
- Plan results day - have somebody with you when you collect your results if that would alleviate some anxiety
- Keep distracted - keep yourself as busy as possible with friends and hobbies so you don't just focus on the results over the summer
- Receiving disappointing results can feel like the end of the world, but it is important to remember that not everyone performs at their best under exam condition
- Prepare for the best and worse outcomes.
Visit Sussex Partnership's website for a range of resources for families, carers and professionals. This includes a series of pre-recorded webinars for parents and carers with hints and tips on how to support young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
There is also a list of webinars to help parents and carers deal with a range of mental health issues.
Our CAMHS service has worked with Experts by Experience (EBEs) to prepare this podcast with tips and tricks on how to deal with exam-related stress.
- GCSE results day is on Thursday 22 August
- Results for Level 1, Level 1/2 and Level 2 VTQs will also be available on or before this date
- AS level, A level and T Level results day is on Thursday 15 August.