Matric results are due to be released on 2 January for IEB schools and on 5 January for GDE schools.
Not all matrics will achieve the marks they were hoping for and although it can be a stressful time, the South African Depression Anxiety Group (Sadag) said there were still options available to those with less than desirable results.
Dessy Tzoneva, spokesperson for Sadag said, “There are a number of things matrics can do if the results are not what they expected. “They need to make sure they see the official document with their results and not just rely on, for example, the newspaper printout.
“They could also ask for a remark, apply to write a supplementary exam at the beginning of next year, access the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance programme, redo a subject, take a bridging course or redo the year in another school.”
According to Tzoneva, some matrics may even want to take a gap year and gain some work experience before deciding on the next step.
Tsoneva said the youth face various challenges and many experience numerous problems in their day-to-day lives. “When the stress of disappointing exam results adds extra pressure, students may experience anxiety or depression. That’s if they are not already living with these conditions, in which case their symptoms may worsen.”
During this time it is vital for matrics not to bottle up their emotions and anxieties, but rather reach out to loved ones. “This can serve as an opportunity for parents to show their children that setbacks do not have to mean the end of the road, and that they can be overcome.
“Students who are having suicidal thoughts can speak to their parents, an aunt or uncle, a teacher, a religious leader or any adult they trust.”
Details: Matrics can contact Sadag on 0800 567 567 or 0800 12 13 14 any day of the week to speak to a counsellor.
