Exam Stress

Working towards exams can creating feelings of worry and being under pressure, especially at secondary school. However there are a range of things that you can do to help deal with the stress that you might be feeling:

1. Be realistic
2. Get started
3. Revise
4. Do the best you can
5. Reward yourself
6. Take breaks
7. Take one step at a time

Watch out for the signs:

As parents/carer it is vital you look out for signs of stress in your child. These signs come in a variety of different ways:

• Worry
• Feeling tense
• Headaches and stomach pains
• Lack of sleep
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in food/eat more than normal
• Seems negative and low in mood
• Hopeless feelings about the future.

What you can do to help:

1. Make sure your child eats well
2. Help your child get enough sleep
3. Be flexible around household jobs
4. Help them study
5. Talk about exam nerves
6. Encourage exercise
7. Don’t add to the pressure
8. Make time for treats

You should seek further help from your GP, if your child anxiety or low mood is severe, persists and interferes with everyday life.

Further information:

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-stress/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-exam-stress/