As final Year 12 exams start, many students may currently be experiencing unhealthy levels of exam stress.
Clinical Lead at youth mental health service ReachOut, Linda Williams, is available for interview about:
- ReachOut’s exam stress data, including the impacts of the cost of living
- Practical tips for students
- Practical tips for parents & carers supporting students
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, many Year 12 students are heading into their final exams. These exams often bring up a range of emotions for students, some of which can be really challenging to cope with.
“ReachOut’s data shows that the cost of living is contributing to exam stress for students. They are worried about getting jobs, being able to lead the lives they had planned and balancing study with work. Exams are usually stressful and these extra pressures can sometimes make exams feel overwhelming, with impacts on mental health and academic performance.
“We want to remind students to make their mental health a priority, especially during this exam period. The basics like getting enough sleep, eating well and taking regular breaks can make all the difference right now. Students should seek support if they feel they need it, including from a trusted adult, their GP or a service like ReachOut,” she said.
Young people can visit ReachOut for support with exam stress, to access ReachOut’s AI-tool and to connect with peer support via the Online Community and PeerChat.
Parents and carers can visit ReachOut Parents for support resources and a free parents coaching service.
ENDS
Tessa Anderssen - [email protected] / 0411 708 587
See here for press releases, research reports and more information about ReachOut.
Support links
For students
For parents and carers
For educators and schools
Social media links
Key Facts:
Results from a survey of over 1000 young people (aged 16 - 25) from across Australia, conducted July 2024. See full press release here.
- 88% of young people surveyed experienced study stress in the last 12 months.
- 17% of young people surveyed indicated that study stress had a major impact on their wellbeing or their mental health over the past 12 months.
- Cost of living related drivers of study stress:
- worry about getting a job (31%)
- worry about not being able to lead the life they had planned (26%)
- worry about balancing study with work due to the high cost of living (23%)
- Mental health and wellbeing impacts of study stress on the young people surveyed included:
- lack of motivation (61%)
- trouble sleeping (45%)
- changes to mood (40%)
- took time off work or study (26%)
- To cope with study stress, young people turned online to things like:
- Listening to music (50%)
- watching TV and movies (42%)
- spending time on social media (40%)
- watching online videos (36%)
- gaming (21%)
- 67% of young people surveyed who turned online to cope with study stress said the content was a distraction or something that provided them with a break.
- When it comes to seeking support for study stress young people are turning to:
- friends (52%)
- parents and carers (36%)
- social media (26%)
- a mental health professional, an in-person mental health service or a digital mental health service for support for study stress (25%)
- Research by ReachOut in 2023 found that seven out of ten young people had experienced stress about the cost of living in the last 12 months.
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 - [email protected] / 0411 708 587