Pat's Answer
To Pat / 01 Apr 2019
Topic: Feeling stressed by exams
Your Question
Hi Pat
I’m not really sure how to say this…I guess I’m just really stressed. I am in junior cert and I hate exams. I just panic. We have just done our mocks and I guess they went ok. I am just really worried that I won’t do well and that I will just be a disappointment but I do try and study all the time. I just feel stressed about everything to do with these exams at the moment.
Please can you just give me some information!!!!
Thanks
Anna
From Pat / 01 Apr 2019
Answer
Hi there Anna
Thank you for message. It sounds like you have a lot going on in your head right now, with being in study mode to prepare for your Junior Certificate.
Exams and exam years can be very stressful and it is totally understandable that you may be feeling a little overwhelmed right now. It’s ok to feel like this, but it is important to manage it as best you can too. In managing it, are there any adults in your life that you could feel that you trust? You could talk to them honestly and openly about how you are feeling. Examples of trusted adults may be someone like a parent/guardian, auntie, uncle, grandparent, older cousin or older sibling. You might be able to confide in a teacher, or even your school counsellor. These are all people that may be able to provide you with additional support around your stress.
You say that you have completed your mocks and that’s brilliant, fair play to you for getting them done. Mocks can be a good way of preparing for the real exams sometimes. You say they went ok though so you should be proud of yourself for this.
You have mentioned that you are feeling really stressed about everything at the moment and we would be concerned to hear you say that you are feeling this way. Sometimes we can also do too much studying and this can make you feel under pressure. Managing the homework and study periods can be important too – there is only so much your brain can handle!
Study breaks can be a good idea when you are studying and in this time you can walk away from the work or study that you are doing and maybe go for a walk, or just chill out. For some people, exercise can be a good idea to help manage feelings of stress. Others might find reading or listening to music a good way of relieving stress. This can vary from person to person but do what is best for you.
It is important to relax and take some time out.
If you ever feel like chatting to anyone here in Childline you are very welcome to call us anytime on 1800 66 66 66 – this is a 24 hour service. You can also use Childline’s text or online service which are open from 10am – 4am each day. To text us just text the word ‘talk’ to 50101 or to contact us online visit www.childline.ie and you can register there to chat with us.
All of our services are totally free.
Best wises with your study and your exams Anna!
Take care
Pat