How to cope before, during and after exam results

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) said they are going to be there for all matriculants before, during and after the exam results to equip them with the right information to navigate their stress during this difficult time.

In a statement released by SADAG a day before the results were released, so many Matriculants struggle to cope with the idea of disappointment from family members, loved one’s and friends.

According to SADAG, after receiving results, various situations can play out. Some subjects weren’t passed, missed distinctions, results aren’t printed in the newspaper or some are grappling with the disappointment of parents, teachers, friends, loved one’s and scared of what the future holds.

Upset about results:

• SADAG recommended to first check the official printout of results not just what appears in the newspaper.

• Speak to the principal at the school about their options, especially if they have only failed by a small margin or only failed one subject.

• Ask for a remark on an exam.

• Ask about the possibility of a supplementary exam.

• If they have to redo the year, they could consider going to a different school.

• They could also do the subjects they need to through correspondence learning institutions, like Damelin or Abbotts.

• If they don’t have exemption or the necessary subjects for what they want to study, they can do bridging courses through colleges, etc.

• They can approach their school with questions, and they can also speak to the department of education or consider career counselling at colleges and universities.

According to SADAG, it’s normal for someone to feel disappointed, angry, sad or numb after receiving an unexpected result. When these normal feelings last longer than two to four weeks and physical symptoms start to show such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. This then becomes a concern.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sad, or “empty” mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed

• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness and self-reproach

• Insomnia or hypersomnia, early morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down

• Increased use of alcohol and drugs, may be associated but not a criteria for diagnosis

• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

• Restlessness, irritability, hostility

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

• Deterioration of social relationships

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts you can speak to your parents, an aunt/uncle, a teacher, a friend – anyone you trust. If you are not sure who to turn to, or feel you don’t want to confide in anyone you know, you can call SADAG on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789 any day of the week to speak to a counsellor. SADAG has trained counsellors available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.