Beat Exam Stress With ChildLine!

Millions of under 18’s will sit exams this summer and according to a new survey by ChildLine, 92% of young people feel anxious about their revision and exams.

Findings reveal almost two thirds (64%) say they’ve never had any support in dealing with exams and that over half of young people (53%) say pressure from parents to do well is a major cause of anxiety.

Anxiety can make people feel tired, upset, worried, shaky, light-headed or frustrated, and can sometimes present itself as a panic attack or nausea.

Results from the ChildLine poll also found:

• Other main causes of anxiety for young people are not getting into university or college (57%) and fears about sitting the exam (56%)
  
• Almost half (45%) say they have skipped meal
  

• Two thirds (64%) of those surveyed said they have had trouble sleeping
  

• Talking to friends (43%) is the most common way of dealing with exam anxiety. 
  

• 14% say they drink alcohol to cope with exam anxiety.

If you are sitting exams this summer, it can sometimes feel like the whole of your future depends on what grades you get.

First of all, try not to panic. You have a while until exam results come out. Even if you don’t get the results you need or expect, you still have options and can get help with any decisions you have to make.

It’s very common for young people to feel anxious about exams and to help, ChildLine has made a new short film about combating anxiety.

Alex, ChildLine’s message board host says, "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time, so it’s important to ensure you take regular breaks from revision and have a chance to unwind and relax."

She added: "If you’re finding it difficult log on to the ChildLine website to speak to other young people in the same situation and get advice and tips from our self help sections.”

There is nothing wrong with being worried about the actual exam, it’s very normal. The more prepared we are, the more confident we feel in being able to cope. Read more advice on revision tips and how to keep calm before an exam here!