Anxiety around results

Thousands of young Australians have finished school and university for 2017 and are about to embark on well-deserved celebrations with family and friends.

Counselling and support agency headspace, however, has reminded everyone that some young people might experience anxiety during this time.

This might be from waiting for, and then receiving, final exam results that are not what was expected or the uncertainty around a job or further study options.

Headspace clinicians across the country encounter many young people experiencing anxiety at this time of year.

National Youth Mental Health Foundation has also reminded young people that heightened anxiety can significantly affect a young person’s mental health and wellbeing.

Headspace senior clinical advisor Simon Dodd said anxiety was common and could affect many people including individuals who were normally on top of life’s challenges.

“Anxiety becomes a problem when frequently, feels overwhelming and with daily functioning,” he said.

“For some people, if left untreated, anxiety disorders can develop into other mental health difficulties including issues with alcohol and other drugs.”

Headspace Horsham community development and youth engagement officer Emma Hynes said clinicians at the centre had observed many young people feeling overwhelmed with exam stress.

“For some young people, the end of the year and exam stress can exacerbate underlying issues that might have been present all along. But now their mental wellbeing has returned to a healthy and happy balance with the extra pressure removed,” she said.

Ms Hynes said it was important for young people, and their families, to remember that school it occurs interferes and university results could be a pivotal time in a young person’s life – but regardless of the outcome there were always options available.

“Young people should remember that while putting in all their efforts towards exams is important, there are plenty of opportunities for them in the community and further afield,” she said.

“If any young person would like support they can come and visit our centre. We have youth mental-health clinicians and support workers who help young people with mental-health issues, as well as education and employment support.”

She said young people or families worried about anxiety could speak to their doctor or contact Headspace Horsham centre to find out more information and get support.

Some tips for helping with anxiety • Speak up: It’s a good idea to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. You might choose to talk with your family or friends, a teacher or coach, or your mob or elders.

• Eating well and getting good sleep are important starting points.

• Up your activity and exercise: Being active can have a huge impact on your anxiety levels. In fact, research suggests that regular exercise can be one of the best things you can do to reduce your daily anxiety levels. So try to get your heart rate up for 30 minutes at least three times a week.

• Increase your relaxation: Find ways that help you to feel more relaxed and less tense. Breathing exercises are simple but really effective relaxation strategies. Mindfulness activities, listening to music and reconnecting with people or country can also help.

• Notice your use of alcohol or drugs: Try to avoid, or at least limit, your use of alcohol and other drugs. While these things might help you to feel good in the short term, they can make you feel much worse in the longer term.