Exam results – it’s good to talk
Young people gearing up to collect A-level and GCSE results over the coming days are being urged to look after their emotional wellbeing by staying calm, trying to relax and getting enough sleep in the run-up to the big day.
Experts at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) are encouraging teenagers to prepare for their results by talking to friends and family about their expectations and thinking about all the options open to them. Anyone who feels unable to cope with the pressure of getting their results should to ask for help and support.
The advice comes as thousands of students receive or prepare to receive A-Level and GCSE results.
The Wellbeing Service offers help with common problems such as depression, anxiety and stress. A range of interventions are available, including courses and one-off workshops, online counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, social events and help to access community support. These interventions are constantly updated and include information about how to cope with coming out of the lockdown.
The aim of the service is to treat patients as early as possible within GP practices or community settings, in turn reducing the likelihood of longer term problems by providing support near to where they live and before their issues become too great.
Nesta Reeve, Clinical Lead of the Wellbeing service with NSFT, said: “Lots of people feel pressure as they wait for exam results, but there are things they can do to help manage that stress. Talking to friends and family can help, while students should also try and get enough sleep and relax in the run-up to the big day so that they are better able to cope with the inevitable emotions they will feel when they open their results.
“Our service offers dedicated help to young people aged from 16 upwards. As well as one-to-one counselling and group work, a range of other interventions is available to support people with common problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.
“Our aim is to make the service as flexible as possible so that it is truly responsive to the needs of each individual.”
For more information about the Wellbeing service, which is run by NSFT in partnership with third sector organisations in Norfolk and Waveney and in Suffolk visit www.wellbeingnands.co.uk