How do exams affect your teen's mental health?

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month.

For many teens, May is all about the impending GCSE and A-Level exams.   

Being a teenager can be tricky at the best of times, but throw in some exam stress, and, well. You get the picture.   

We all know that the pressure of exams can really affect a teenager's mental health and self-esteem. So, it makes sense that the month of May is also National Teen Self-Esteem Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of self-esteem for young people. 

Exams and Mental Health  

Exams are a common source of stress and anxiety for teens. Working hard to achieve good grades means they can feel under pressure, whether that’s coming from themselves or those around them. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt, and inadequacy, which can be particularly damaging to their self-esteem.  

As parents and/or educators we can support teenagers by providing them with the tools they need to cope with exam stress. There are practical elements to help deal with the exam preparation, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, encouraging them to take breaks and prioritise self-care, along with helping to develop positive self-talk. In addition, it's important to create a supportive and positive learning environment, where teenagers feel safe to express their feelings and ask for help when needed.   

It is also beneficial to encourage teens to engage in activities outside of school and revision, such as sports, hobbies, or creative pursuits, which will reduce the impact of exams on their emotional wellbeing and help them feel good about themselves.  

Over the coming weeks while the exams are taking place, and while they wait for the results, remember to remind teenagers that these assessments are just one aspect of their life; they don't define their entire worth as a person or their future.  

It's also helpful to be able to recognise the signs of low self-esteem in teenagers, such as negative self-talk, social withdrawal, and a lack of motivation. If left untreated, low self-esteem can lead to a range of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. By providing teenagers with the support and resources they need to build their self-esteem, we can help to prevent these negative outcomes and promote positive mental health.  

Ultimately, Teen Self-Esteem Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of good self-esteem for young people, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. Recognising the impact of exams on self-esteem, and working to build resilience and confidence in teenagers, will help to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the future.