Beat Panic and Depression
The Samaritans say that exam stress is one of the top three problems cited by young people who have attempted suicide, along with partners or family.
    Three teenagers deliberately harm themselves every hour. The problem has doubled among men aged 15 to 24 in the last two years.
    Exam results may trigger suicidal feelings, but bullying, social isolation or family problems are more likely to be behind the problem.
    But there are ways to combat stress:
  • Talk - to friends, family, teachers or The Samaritans. Hearing another person's perspective and simply expressing how you feel out loud is a great stress reliever.

  • Exercise - don't sit in front of the TV or Computer. Get up and go for a walk or swim. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins which help combat anxiety.

  • Lay off the Coffee - caffiene will make you feel more stressed.

  • Keep a Diary - writing down thoughts can help you work through them more methodically.

  • Sleep - if you have problems nodding off, have a warm bath with a few drops of Lavender or Marjoram oil half an hour before you go to bed.

  • Eat a proper diet - have small, regular meals with complex carbohydrates - bread, pasta and rice. They won't have a dramatic effect on your blood sugar and your energy levels.
Axiompc's Comments:
    Firstly I agree with just about all of the above, certainly the relief advice, but feel that major omissions as to the causes of stress have been overlooked.
    The biggest cause of stress to students arises due to 'Pushy Parents' and teachers. Parents always state that their kids NEED qualification and pressurise them to excel. Teachers are now 'Paid by Results' and therefore pressurise the student to do well so the Teacher gets praise and reward, sod the state the student is in. If an attitude toward the student was that they cannot do better than their best, 90 per cent of the stress would be relieved. Attitudes need a major re-hash to help prevent such stresses on students and unfortunately I cannot see any such changes happening in the near future.
    My feelings tell me that we should emphasise the importance of qualifications but let the student find their own level of ability and sense of achievement without being pressurised by ANY adult. That way, I feel, parents and teachers will get the respect of the student and thus make for better exam results. I certainly believe in encouragement but NOT dicatorial pressure. I quote as an example of this attitude, my son. Without pressure, he achieved 11 GCSE's (9 of which were A-C) and 3 A Levels, all at good marks. I have now found a BETTER VERSION of the above which actually realises that home life IS important.

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