EXAM STRESS AND PARENTS GET ME DOWN

Dear Coleen

I am 15, coming up to 16, and I’m starting my GCSE exams this month. I’m really stressed out about them. But there’s something else, too. Although my parents are very loving, they often yell at me. I know it’s kind of normal for parents to shout, but what they say stays with me afterwards. There was a point in my life when I was a self-harmer and I now know that it is not the solution. But I come home from school and cry myself to sleep. I’m sorry if I sound pathetic. I recognise that I probably sound like an overdramatic teen. But other than going to professionals or talking to family and friends, what else can I do for myself to just feel happier?

Coleen says

It’s not pathetic at all, it’s a really stressful time for you. I have a daughter who’s the same age as you and her exams start this week, so she feels under pressure, too. I don’t know why your parents are shouting at you – it might be nothing to do with you all. Explain calmly to them that you’re feeling really stressed about everything at the moment, and being shouted at is making things a lot worse. There’s no point in stressing over exams. Yes, it’s important to try your best, and if you pass it’s fantastic, but that’s as much as can be expected of you. It’s important to find your own routine when you’re in the middle of revision and make sure you take time out, too. When you come home, have some relaxation time, whether that’s listening to music, reading a magazine or playing a game – and then revise. Try to zone out from some of the pressure a bit. You must be a strong girl because you’ve realised self-harm isn’t the answer. And if you can overcome that, you can overcome anything. Good luck.