By Roshni Parboo-Seetha
June’s mid-year exams are around the corner, and for many learners, this can feel like one of the most overwhelming times of the school year.
At SADAG, we hear it all the time:
“I’ve studied but I still don’t feel ready.”
“What if I fail?”
“Everyone else seems to be coping except me.”
“I’m so tired, but I can’t stop studying.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
A little stress before exams is normal, it can even help motivate you. But when that stress turns into panic, sleepless nights, shutting down emotionally, or feeling like you just can’t cope anymore, that’s when we need to pay attention. For many learners, exam stress isn’t just about the tests. It’s about pressure from family, fear of disappointing teachers, comparing yourself to friends, worrying about your future, and trying to carry all of that while still just being a young person figuring life out. That’s a lot.
What Exam Stress Can Actually Look Like
Stress doesn’t always look like crying over textbooks.
Sometimes it looks like:
Staring at your books for hours and not taking anything in
Feeling sick before an exam
Snapping at people for no reason
Wanting to sleep all day…or not being able to sleep at all
Procrastinating because starting feels overwhelming
Feeling numb or emotionally checked out
Thinking “What’s the point? I’m going to fail anyway.”
And sometimes, for some learners, the pressure can feel much heavier than “just stress.”
What Can Help?
1. Stop trying to study everything at once
Your brain is not a machine. Break your work into smaller, manageable chunks. One chapter. One section. One task at a time.
2. Sleep is not being lazy
We know the temptation to stay up until 2am “just to finish one more chapter.” But sleep helps your brain process, store information, and cope emotionally.
3. Move your body
Even a short walk, stretching, dancing in your room, or stepping outside for fresh air can help reduce Anxiety and reset your brain.
4. Talk to someone
You do not have to carry this alone. A parent, teacher, school counsellor, friend, sibling, or trusted adult can help.
For Parents and Caregivers: What Learners Need From You
Sometimes what learners need most isn’t another reminder to study.
They need:
reassurance
patience
Encouragement
someone to notice when they’re struggling
Instead of asking “Did you study?” every day, try asking:
“How are you coping?”
“What feels hardest right now?”
“How can I support you?”
That conversation can change everything.
When Stress Becomes Something More Serious
If a learner is withdrawing, crying often, not sleeping, having panic attacks, talking about hopelessness, or saying things like:
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
please take it seriously.
This is not “attention-seeking.”
This is not “just exam stress.”
This is a call for support.
Our Message to Learners
Your marks matter. But you matter more.
One exam does not define your worth, your intelligence, or your future.
Be kind to yourself. Ask for help early. Support your friends. Check in on each other.
And if things feel too heavy, please reach out.
SADAG Support:
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567
It’s okay to not Be Okay. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
