Help your child manage stress
THE matric exam season is known to be a high stress period for pupils, and experts have encouraged parents and guardians to be alert to this and suicidal tendencies.
The SA Depression and Anxiety Group said while it did not have statistics to confirm an increase in suicides during exam time, it did receive more calls related to stress in this period.
The call volume is the same after the exams when distressed matric pupils find out they have failed.
The NSC exams will take place from October 15 with computer applications technology practical paper 1 and conclude on November 28 with design studies.
Durban-based educational psychologist Nicola Buhr said there were not many Grade 12 pupils who did not experience anxiety in their final exams.
“A certain amount of anxiety is normal and can have a positive effect on performance. However, elevated levels of anxiety can be detrimental to exam success, regardless of preparation. During this time, it is important to ensure you follow a balanced lifestyle, so anxiety does not affect your performance.”
Buhr adds that parents must realise it was impossible for their children to work seven days a week, for months.
“Your anxiety as parents also needs to be managed effectively as you will pass your stress levels on to your children. Your children cannot do well if they are exhausted.”
Routine, planning is key:
Buhr suggested establishing routines for adequate amounts of sleep (eight to 10 hours per night), daily exercise, and healthy nutrition.
“Once that is set up, create a timetable for your child. This can be surprisingly complicated and if you find it difficult, get a psychologist to help. Timetables should be flexible to allow for changes and the breaks should be long enough to allow for activities, such as exercise. Remember to schedule full days off, where no work is done. You would not manage a seven day work week. Neither can your child.”
She said a study timetable, study skills, and memory techniques helped better prepare pupils.
“A good memory together with manageable levels of anxiety is strongly correlated with success in exams. Memory can be improved with study skills techniques, that are aligned with how the brain learns and remembers material.”
Anxiety signs:
The concern, she added, was when a child experienced elevated levels of anxiety.
“When this occurs, get your child cognitive-behavioural (CBT) therapy sessions with a psychologist. CBT is proven to be effective in the management of symptoms of anxiety. Elevated levels of anxiety cannot be dismissed and can have a significant impact on your child’s performance.”
Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
Restlessness or feeling on edge Being easily fatigued Difficulty concentrating Irritability
Muscle tension
*Sleep disturbances
“Anxiety should be diagnosed by a health-care professional, as there are numerous underlying conditions that can also cause anxiety that need to be taken into consideration when making a diagnosis.
“Not all symptoms will present in each person and everyone presents differently. If you are concerned, take your child to a psychologist or a psychiatrist for an evaluation and to assist with the way forward.”
Monitor pupils, get help: Monitor your child for signs of depression – such as a persistent low mood, loss of interest, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness, appetite changes, sleep difficulties, concentration difficulties, talk of death or suicide, and changes from their normal personality.
Buhr, yet again, advised parents to seek professional help. Grade 12, she said, was one step in the path of life.
“It may, at times, seem too much to handle but the year will come to an end eventually. No one has to go through anything alone. If you need support, please get it.”
Emergency numbers:
SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) Help Line: 0800 21 22 23/ 0800 456 789/ 0800 567 567. Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567.