As the final exam season approaches for learners across primary and high schools, tensions are mounting in South African homes. This phase can cause increased levels of anxiety and despair, which is an increasing concern in the country and under our youth. Parents play an important role in assisting their teenagers in navigating these emotions by giving emotional and practical support to ensure academic success while maintaining mental health, says Leandri Fick, who recently took over the reigns as Principal of Abbotts College PTA East. “Research shows a concerning trend of increased anxiety and despair among South African youth, particularly during exam season. According to 2022 research by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), approximately one in every five young people suffers from debilitating anxiety, and suicide is still the second greatest cause of mortality among young people. Teens may feel overwhelmed by academic achievement, familial expectations, and social comparisons.

Final exams are often a cause of increased stress. The results of these exams are frequently regarded as a watershed moment, deciding future educational and professional prospects. For many teenagers, the apparent “all or nothing” stakes can lead to anxiety or depression, necessitating parental intervention and assistance.

The Role of Parents

Parents are usually a teenager’s first line of defence against overwhelming stress, but determining how to assist during such a critical period can be challenging. A balanced approach, which provides assistance without increasing the pressure, can make all the difference. so what can parents do?

1. Create a supportive environment
   A loving, stress-free family atmosphere can help teenagers cope with their emotions. Simple gestures such as providing a peaceful study environment, eating healthy meals, and maintaining a regular sleep pattern can help reduce stress. Encourage breaks and promote activities such as exercise, which have been shown to lower anxiety.
2. Maintain open communication
   Open communication is essential. Let your tween or teenager know that it is acceptable to discuss their worry, anxieties, or disappointments. Validating their feelings rather than discounting their fears promotes emotional resilience. Be available for chats without constantly reminding them of their examinations, as this can exacerbate their nervousness. Ask open-ended questions, such as “How are you feeling about your exams?” rather than focusing entirely on their study schedule or test preparation.
3. Recognise warning signs of anxiety and depression
   Early intervention requires awareness of anxiety and depression symptoms. These can include withdrawal from family and friends, changes in diet or sleep patterns, impatience, and even physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches. If these symptoms appear, it is critical to get professional assistance from a school counsellor, psychologist, or GP. SADAG provides helplines exclusively for young people who may be dealing with their mental health.
4. Help with time Management, but don’t micromanage
   Many teenagers fail to manage their time effectively during exams. Helping them break down their study materials into digestible bits and organising study sessions can make the process less intimidating. Avoid micromanaging their time or enforcing extremely stringent routines, since this could exacerbate their feelings of overwhelm. Encourage them to work at their own pace and provide mild guidance as needed.
5. Shift the focus from results to effort
   Parents should celebrate their children’s effort, rather than the outcome. When the focus switches to the work they’re doing rather than their ultimate grades, it can help to alleviate the tension connected with exam results. Emphasise that while tests are essential, they do not define the child’s worth or potential.

Parents’ participation in their child’s exam preparation is multifaceted. Parents can assist in reducing anxiety and depression during this difficult period by creating a supportive environment, encouraging open communication, recognising indicators of mental discomfort, and promoting balance. Teenagers’ long-term mental health should always take precedence over short-term academic achievements, ensuring that they leave exam season not only as accomplished students, but also as emotionally robust young people.

Mental Health support resources

• Your school counsellor / psychologist.
• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) https://www.sadag.org/
• Netcare Akeso https://www.netcare.co.za/netcare-akeso