Tips from Jigsaw: how to support young people with exam stress
AS THE Junior and Leaving Certificates kick off this Wednesday, Jigsaw has tips and advice to help parents and guardians provide support with exam stress.
According to Jigsaw, the national youth mental health charity, exams are one of the most common major worries for young people.
Research from the charity has consistently shown exams to be one of the biggest sources of stress in the lives of young people.
Mike Mansfield, Jigsaw’s Director of Communications, said: “At Jigsaw, we speak directly to young people about what’s affecting their mental health.
“Every day in our local services, online sessions and through our research, we hear about how they are feeling increasingly anxious and depressed.
“One thing that they tell us is contributing to this is the pressure of exams, particularly the Junior and Leaving Cert.
“So, we’re sharing our advice for parents and guardians to help them support their children and young people through the pressures of exams.
“And we also have a range of mental health advice, in-person and online support available at Jigsaw.ie”
Jigsaw has put together a list of top ten tips from its clinical and mental health experts to help parents and guardians give support.
- Try not to talk too much about studying and exams
If it can be avoided, try to avoid talking exclusively about studying and exams. There can feel like there’s pressure coming from every teacher, parent, group chat, and passer-by. If possible, only broach the subject sparingly, and think of other things to chat about. - Meet them where they’re at
Remember that their goals and idea of success may look different to yours. - Have an honest conversation
Ask them to be honest about how they are feeling, and what would help. It’s important to acknowledge when it’s feeling difficult, but it’s equally important to have a plan for what will help. - Remind them to talk to themselves with kindness and compassion
Would they be telling all their friends that the only thing that matters is a few weeks of their lives? Of course not! - Remember that it is a marathon and not a sprint
The race includes the whole year, not just the three weeks that the exams are taking place. It’s important to make sure to sleep, eat healthily, and take all the breaks you need, even in the middle of exam season. - Encourage them to take time to do what they love
It’s unrealistic to spend every moment studying or thinking about exams. - Keep up your regular family habits
Exams shouldn’t mean normal routines should stop. If the whole family sits down to breakfast every morning, keep up the habit. It’ll help everyone stay grounded and relaxed. - Stay in the moment
It’s really important to stay in the moment. We can’t do anything about the future or the past. Being hard on them for previous behaviours, or catastrophising the future, won’t do anyone any good. - Remember, no one can control BEING the best
But you can control TRYING your best. - If you need us, Jigsaw can help.
We have lots of resources on Jigsaw.ie, including our clinicians in Live Chat, or you can contact a Jigsaw service.
