With university exams around the corner, many students across the country may be currently experiencing unhealthy levels of exam and study stress.
Linda Williams, Clinical Lead at youth mental health service, ReachOut, is available for interview about:
- what contributes to uni exam stress, including the cost of living
- the mental health impacts of study stress, including impacts on sleep and loneliness
- tips for students
- tips for parents and carers supporting young people
Williams is a Senior Psychologist with more than 10 years experience working across telephone and digital mental health services. Linda’s areas of expertise include youth mental health and she is knowledgeable across a wide range of concerns.
Quote that can be attributed to Williams:
“At this time of year, we know that many uni students will be experiencing stress about study and exams. Data from ReachOut shows that for some young people that stress is contributing to poor sleep and feelings of loneliness - both of which can impact mental health and academic performance. It is also clear that for some young people the cost of living is contributing to their exam stress at this time - ReachOut’s data shows that 80% of uni students are concerned about their finances or the cost of living.
“We want to remind young people to take a proactive approach to their mental health right now. For example, thinking about sleep hygiene and keeping in touch with support networks can help manage feelings of stress. Seeking support is also really important from places like ReachOut, making an appointment with your GP or looking at what support is available via your uni,” she said.
ReachOut has a range of support for students to help them manage exam stress including information, tips, an online community and one-to-one peer support via ReachOut PeerChat.
Parents and carers can play an important role in helping young people manage exam and study stress. For tips, information and support parents and carers can visit ReachOut Parents.
ReachOut’s exam and study stress stress insights for university students*:
- 70% of university students surveyed said study stress had a moderate to major impact on their emotional or mental wellbeing in the last 12 months.
- Some of the most common causes of study stress included: worry about not being able to live the life I had planned, worry about getting a job and worry about how I will compare with other students.
- 57% said study stress was impacting their sleep.
- 48% reported staying up into the night frequently to study or complete assignments.
- The most common ways uni students reported study stress affecting their lives were lack of motivation, changes to mood and trouble sleeping.
- 80% of uni students were concerned, worried, or stressed about money/the cost of living/finances in the past 12 months.
- Via ReachOut’s Online Community young people are saying that exam stress can contribute to feelings of loneliness.
*Data from a national survey of over 1000 young people aged 16 - 25 years conducted in August 2023 and ReachOut’s Online Community.
ENDS
About us:
About ReachOut
ReachOut is the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.
ReachOut helps young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they’re facing. They provide a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who understand their situation, and find the resources to help them manage their challenges now and in the future.
Anonymous, free and 100% online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, to online forums, as well as tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.
And, ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools provide valuable information, resources and advice to help parents, carers and educators to better understand the young people in their lives and to play an active role in their wellbeing.
Safe Reporting
ReachOut encourages safe reporting about mental ill-health and suicide according to the Mindframe guidelines.
Contact details:
Tessa Anderssen, Senior Media Manager at ReachOut
tessa@reachout.com / 0411 708 587
