I have been asked many times to create a video/audio session around Exam Stress for Students and today uploaded my latest video on YouTube which you can access here.

Exams were always a major stressor for me at both school and university and to be honest I’m not sure, thinking back, how I handled that stress.  I do recall the stomach problems and not doing as well as I could have done during the times I let the stress get the better of me.

Today we are much more aware of what happens to the mind and body when we get anxious and this article is to explain what causes exam stress or text anxiety, how you know your student is suffering and how you can help them manage that stress or become stress free.

What causes exam stress?

Exam stress or text anxiety is actually a natural reaction to extreme pressure where the body moves into a flight and fight response releasing increased amounts of adrenalin.  That pressure build up can be due to many reasons, some of which might be:

• Inability to accept failure or uncertainty (perfectionism)
• Pessimism or negative self-talk (I can’t do this, I will fail, I’m not good enough)
• Unrealistic expectations (either of the student or the parents)
• Lack of Preparation – (disorganised, underestimate time requirements)
• Life transitions – change in routine or situation
• Family issues and/or relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Performance anxiety – a fear or phobic response
• Lack of quality sleep

How do you know if your child or teen is suffering from exam stress?

 There are many symptoms but some of the most common are:

• Getting upset easily
• Irritability (increased yelling or crying, swearing)
• Sleep issues, either getting to sleep, waking up often or waking in the morning feeling lethargic and unrested
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