Child Safety Week

Don’t let stress affect your exam results

At this time of year many young people and their families are worried and stressed about exams. The fear of not doing well enough or of not having done enough study, of missing out on a university place or losing out on that job offer can lead to an increase in stress levels which can be harmful to your chances of doing well. This is why its important not to rush and revise for UCAT other exams early on and prepare properly so the stress is as minimal as possible.

During Child Safety Week (21-27 June), NHS Suffolk is asking parents to stay alert to the signs of exam stress and is encouraging students to understand how they can minimise their stress levels.

Dr Mashbileg Maidrag, NHS Suffolk Consultant in Public Health said: “Feeling stressed is a completely natural response to exam pressure. The signs of stress can include a loss of appetite, headaches and sleeplessness or physical sensations such as chest pains, stomach cramps or pins and needles.

Sometimes young people can be tempted to smoke and drink or take drugs to help cope with stress. Parents should keep a close eye on any behavioural changes and offer as much emotional support that they can and make sure that there is not an over supply of medicines in the home.

Dr Maidrag added: “Being well organised will help reduce stress during revision and it’s good to take a ten-minute break for every study hour. Don’t be tempted to revise late into the night as it’s important to get a good night’s sleep and remember to stay active and get 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as taking a walk or going for a bike ride.”

You can find out more about Child Safety Week by visiting www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit http://www.nsft.nhs.uk