Exam stress: advice from those who’ve been there
Leading experts in mental health and young people have some top tips to keep Year 12 students at their best as they begin studying for their final exams – with the advice not what you might expect.
Child psychiatrist, and director of three headspace centres operated by Alfred Health, Dr Paul Denborough has worked with young people for more than three decades.
He said it’s important for parents to take cues from young people when it comes to their mental wellbeing, especially during periods of heightened stress.
“In the same way we are the experts of our own lives, young people are the experts of theirs,” Dr Denborough said.
“We need to be open and listening when they tell us what they need and take them seriously.”
The Youth Advisory Committees (YAC) at headspace centres in Syndal, Elsternwick and Bentleigh are made up of young people who are passionate about mental health, and play an important role in the organisation.
They say time with friends, enjoying recreational activities and listening without trying to problem-solve are some of the most helpful things parents and supporters can encourage or do for young people.
YAC member Tania said high school exams are the first time many students are faced with navigating a period of high stress – and ensuring work-life balance is often the key to moving through successfully.
“When you're a student, it can feel like everyone has high expectations for you to perform amazingly, whether that’s from your family, your peers, your school or even just within yourself,” Tania said.
“It becomes really easy to lose perspective and spend all your time living and breathing study, which can wear you down and make you feel alone.”
Jade, also a YAC member, said parents and carers can help lighten the burden by supporting their young person to continue with activities that normally bring them joy.
“It can be really simple things like getting out of the house to see friends, play sport, going for walks or to the movies,” Jade said.
“Anything that gives us a short break from thinking about the pressures of exams and grades.”
YAC member Serena agrees.
“A simple thing parents can do is have conversations with their child that aren’t just about studying and exams,” Serena said.
“And when we do decide to open up about our feelings, to simply listen and acknowledge them, rather than try to problem-solve or brush them off.”
Community Awareness Coordinator at headspace Syndal, Elsternwick and Bentleigh Vic Crombie said while it might seem counterintuitive to encourage young people to do things other than study, encouraging them to find balance during periods of high pressure helps them learn life skills they can take into the future.
“Moments like this are an opportunity to demonstrate our support for young people and show them the importance of work-life balance and accessing help when needed,” Vic said.
“They also give young people the skills needed to support themselves and stay resilient throughout the rest of their lives.”
In addition, YAC member Sully said headspace centres offer a range of services and pathways to support for young people experiencing exam stress.
“We have a great online portal called eheadspace, where you can chat with a mental health professional and you don’t need parental consent to access it,” Sully said.
“A lot of people think you need to wait until your stress feels unmanageable before accessing these resources, but it’s not true.
“They’re available for everyone no matter where they’re at and everyone is welcome.”
More information about Alfred Health-run headspace centres can be found here, and eheadspace can be accessed here.
