Alex's Answer

Hi, welcome to Ask Alex. Thank you for reaching out to us. We know it is not always easy to ask for support; you are very brave.   

You mention that you have a test tomorrow and you are very stressed out and feel you can’t study feeling like this. Exams can be very stressful for a lot of people so it’s understandable that you may be feeling overwhelmed right now. It is okay to feel like this, as school can be a difficult time. However, we need to be careful that our stress doesn’t get out of control. Remembering to be kind to yourself is very important during all challenging times.   

It is key to include some self-care time into your study schedule; this might include taking a break from studying to talk to loved ones, go for a walk, go for a bath/shower, watch a tv programme you like. Having these breaks should help reduce the stress you feel.   

Along with study breaks, getting proper sleep is important, to ensure you are feeling good and should help you cope with any challenges that may come up for you. You might like to check the Childline website out for some useful advice around exam stress: www.childline.ie/11-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-your-exams; and www.childline.ie/?s=exam+stress    

When things are overwhelming, sometimes talking to someone can be helpful. Do you have any adults in your life that you feel you could trust to talk to about how you are feeling? Examples of trusted adults may be someone like a parent/guardian, aunt, uncle, grandparent, older cousin, or older sibling. Perhaps you might feel comfortable talking to a teacher or your school counsellor.   

Childline is also an option as someone you can talk to.. You can reach us by phone on 1800 66 66 66 or through our web chat on www.childline.ie/ (just click on the orange Live Chat tab and send hi or hello). Childline services are free and confidential, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to go through this stressful period on your own, Childline is always here for you.  

Take care and look after yourself.  

Alex