With university exams around the corner (June), many students across the country may be currently experiencing unhealthy levels of exam and study stress.
Research* from youth mental health service ReachOut has found:
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study and exam stress is having mental health and wellbeing impacts for many uni students.
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the cost of living is a source of study and exam stress for students.
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many uni students are turning online for support.
Clinical Lead at youth mental health service ReachOut, Linda Williams, is available for interview on:
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the mental health and wellbeing impacts of study stress on the university students surveyed including: lack of motivation (67%), trouble sleeping (46%) and changes to mood (45%).
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the cost of living related drivers of study stress for students including: worry about getting a job (37%), worry about not being able to lead the life they had planned (29%) and worry about balancing study with work due to the high cost of living (32%).
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the top sources of support for study stress for uni students (largely online) including: listening to music (55%), taking breaks (50%), watching TV or movies (47%), spending time on social media (47%) and watching online videos (42%).
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tips for students during the upcoming exam and assessment period and 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. For many, that stress is linked to the current cost of living crisis.
“We want to remind young people to take a proactive approach to their mental health during this stressful upcoming exam and assessment period. Many of the students we surveyed were tapping into positive online forms of self care including listening to music and watching movies.
“Seeking support is important if you are worried about the impacts of study stress but it can feel overwhelming. Checking out ReachOut, making an appointment with your GP or looking at what support is available via your uni are all great places to start,” she said.
ReachOut has a range of support for students when it comes to study and exam stress including one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, tips, stories and resources.
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.
ENDS
*Data from 431 undergraduate university students taken from a survey of over 1000 young people (aged 16 - 25) from across Australia, conducted July 2024. More information here.
Key Facts:
ReachOut’s exam and study stress stress insights for university students*:
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66% of undergraduate university students surveyed said study stress had a moderate to major impact on their emotional or mental wellbeing in the last 12 months.
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Mental health and wellbeing impacts of study stress on the students surveyed included:
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lack of motivation (67%)
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trouble sleeping (46%)
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changes to mood (45%)
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took time off work or study (30%)
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Cost of living related drivers of study stress:
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worry about getting a job (37%)
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worry about balancing study with work due to the high cost of living (32%)
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worry about not being able to lead the life they had planned (29%)
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When it comes to seeking support for study stress young people are turning to:
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Listening to music (55%)
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Breaks from study (50%)
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Watched TV or movies (47%)
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Spending time on social media (47%)
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Watching online videos (42%)
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 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
Contact details:
Tessa Anderssen, Senior Media Manager
[email protected] / 0411 708 587
