Stringent health measures in place to protect students writing exams: HMC
HMC advises students to remain calm and keep a positive mindset amid COVID-19 pandemic
OFFICIALS from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) are providing advice to secondary students who will write their final secondary exams this Monday about overcoming extreme stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HMC officials said all government organisations have taken the necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students. All efforts have been made to ensure exams are written in a safe environment and that stringent health and safety measures are put in place.
An official said some stress and anxiety among students is expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said students and their parents must make all efforts to ensure they remain calm and focused on their exams.
“The anxiety some students will face during exam time is normal, and it is especially normal during this current situation. Mild anxiety can actually help some students focus, but extreme stress, fear, and discomfort, which can include negative thoughts and physical symptoms, may affect the student’s performance and can be especially detrimental. Difficulties in focus and the ability to store information and not be able to retrieve it can have severe negative consequences,” said Dr Majid al Abdulla, Chair of Psychiatry at HMC.
He said the stress some students may experience can be especially pronounced this year due to the current circumstances. He said it isn’t
The anxiety some students will face during exam time is normal, and it is especially normal during this current situation. Mild anxiety can actually help some students focus, but extreme stress and fear may affect the student’s performance and can be especially detrimental.” — Dr Majid al Abdulla, Chair of Psychiatry at HMC
unexpected that many students will be focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative news that surrounds the increasing number of positive cases.
“While it is important to accept the circumstances and do everything possible to prevent further spread of the virus, students and their parents should feel comfort in knowing that all steps have been taken to ensure the health and safety of students.”
He said all efforts have been taken to prevent any unnecessary risk of infection and noted that healthcare teams will be present at examination facilities to ensure strict infection prevention measures are being taken.
He recommended students try to keep a positive mindset, noting that negative self-talk and thoughts can quickly spiral and cause stress and anxiety.
Dr Ahmad al Amin offered tips for students who are writing exams. The tips included focusing on studies and avoiding rumours and bad news about COVID-19, especially from unreliable sources on social media platforms, effective time management by establishing a schedule for studying and taking 10-minute breaks while studying to boost energy and concentration
HE urged students to think positively and feel confident in the knowledge that government organisations are working hard to ensure all necessary steps have been taken to protect their health and safety.
Students must try to incorporate relaxation exercises into their day, including deep breathing, meditation, and muscle stretching exercises that can aid relaxation. These exercises, he said, can help students remain calm and also boost their self-confidence.
Praying can help students feel more centered and psychologically strong, he added.
Dr Abdullah stressed the importance of the family’s role in creating a tranquil environment for the student at home. Family members should offer students emotional support and help students who are facing anxiety or fear, he added.
Dr Ahmad al Amin, consultant psychiatrist at HMC, offered tips for students who are writing exams that included focusing on studies and avoiding rumours and bad news about COVID-19, especially from unreliable sources on social media platforms, effective time management by establishing a schedule for studying and taking 10-minute breaks while studying to boost your energy and concentration.
He also called on students to avoid staying up late and to sleep at least 8 hours a day and to have enough sleep to maintain health and strengthen immune system in addition to eating a balanced, healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and avoid excessive consumption of foods that are rich in fats and sugars and not skipping breakfast as it can help boost concentration.
It is also important to exercise regularly, as physical activity can help stimulate the learning process, he said.
Dr Amin also stressed the importance of following all COVID-19 precautionary measures, avoiding handshakes or kisses, maintaining a distance of at least two metres from other people, wearing a face mask at all times and washing hands frequently with soap and water.