Youth Mental Health & The Exam Season

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we navigate through the exam season, it's important to prioritise the mental well-being of our students. The pressure and stress of exams can often take a toll on their mental health, but as parents/carers, there are ways we can support them through this challenging time.

JCF mood mentors (who support young people in schools) have summarised the most important things that our young people we support are dealing with at this time of year:-

1. Supporting Stressed Students:

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and concerns about exams. Listen without judgment and offer reassurance.
• Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to maintain a balanced routine with adequate sleep, regular exercise, and healthy meals ready at fixed times to allow for breaks. Check-in with them to take sure they're taking regular breaks and avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks.

• Provide Practical Support: Offer help with organising study schedules, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, and providing resources such as study guides or tutoring if needed.

2. Understanding?Common Mental Health Conditions:

Students may face increased levels of anxiety and depression during exam periods. Look out for signs such as changes in behavior, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities, offer support.

3. Ways to Offer Support: Learn practical ways to support your child's mental health, including:

• Active Listening: Be present and attentive when your child needs to talk. Our mood mentors say, just having someone to listen can make a big difference.
• Seeking Professional Help: If you notice persistent symptoms of mental health conditions, encourage your child to seek support from a mental health professional. School counseling services or support groups can provide valuable resources.

4. Resources for Mental Health Support:

• School Counseling Services: Many schools offer counseling services for students. Encourage your child to reach out if they need support.
• Hotlines and Helplines: Share helpline numbers for mental health support, such as crisis hotlines or text lines, where students can speak to trained professionals confidentially.
• Online Support Groups: Look for online communities or forums where students can connect with others facing similar challenges and share experiences.

Remember, supporting your child's mental health is just as important as their academic success. By working together and prioritising their well-being, we can help our students thrive during exam season and beyond in future years. Wishing you and your family a healthy and successful exam period.

Warmest regards,

From the JCF Team