Matrics don’t let stress get you down, enjoy life!

Yes, it is that time of the year again when on October 26 the matrics will sit down to write their final exams.

Coupled with this event comes massive stress, anxiety, uncertainty, pressure and doubt.

This is why it is rather ironic it falls within Mental Health Month, because the final exams absolutely assault your senses and have a funny way of wrecking your mental health.

Let us also be honest, when I wrote my final exams somewhere in the early ’90s (I cannot even remember the year anymore), there was a lot of stress involved to make sure you got good marks and that you can study further,

These days, all those stresses exist, but also so much more added anxiety.

Now it is no longer just about passing matric or getting good marks, but you are faced with the national crisis of unemployment, and the uncertainty over the possibility if you can afford a tertiary institution or even if by 2017 there will be any institutions still operating.

Tough times indeed for matrics. Thousands of them will not be entertaining the thought of studying so they will flood the labour market, hoping to pick up employment scraps like vultures hovering over SA’s economic carcass.

The uncertainty that our youth face in these times is probably why South Africa’s suicide rates are among the highest in the world, with our teens at particular risk.

After all, it is October and international research on seasonal effects on suicide rates has suggested that suicide is more prevalent during late spring and early summer, which also coincides with end-of-year exam stress.

Scary is that research shows that a fifth of South African teenagers have suicidal thoughts and a third of them attempt suicide.

It also appears that the socio-economic circumstances of a large number of youths contribute to this scenario. A recent study of Soweto schoolchildren revealed that many of them had felt hopeless and wanted to give up on life.

After all, SA youths are confronted with significant educational and socio-economic demands – an experience that can feel overwhelming and paralysing, especially when trying to deal with the already challenging transitions and adjustments of adolescence and early adulthood.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), to make matters worse many teens don’t speak out or get help when they feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious due to the stigma attached, or in fear of being judged.

I therefore agree with Sadag that those affected by mental health issues should be educated about teen depression and suicide, empowering them to be able to talk to their loved ones and reach out for help.

Yes, this is a nightmare time for many matrics, but please speak out, please seek help and please realise that no situation is so bleak that there is no hope.

We need to at times remember we only have one shot at life, and life is there to be enjoyed, to be experienced and to be embraced, no matter the storms.

Whatever happens in the matric exam, let it be and move on. Life has a way of always presenting opportunities for us to find the silver lining among the dark clouds.

All problems at the end of the day are merely temporary, and sometimes you just have to ride the storm because it is true – the sun will again shine.

Everyone on this planet eventually goes through proverbial hell on earth, whatever the reason or the situation or the circumstance or the trauma, but the answer to leading a fulfilled life is to go ‘through hell’ and not get stuck in it.

This is why I am even adding the Suicide Crisis Helpline which is 0800 567 567 or use the SMS number 31393. The 24-hour helpline can be reached on 0800 12 13 14.

Remember, life is a gift, and it is precious, and there is so much to experience and enjoy. Let no single stressful hurdle or one dark storm steal your opportunities or your chance at joy, love and happiness.