Managing stress

It can be helpful for your teen to understand that stress is an emotional and physical response to challenging situations. It is the body’s way of motivating us to respond to the situation. The right amount of stress can motivate your teen to focus and study. When stress gets to the point that sleep or concentration is disrupted, it can become problematic.

These basic steps can help your teen cope with exam stress:

  • Promote good eating habits, hydration, sleeping well, and exercising regularly. Discourage excessive caffeine intake.
  • Encourage them to take a break if they seem overwhelmed and use a pre-determined relaxation strategy.
  • Help them to keep a balanced lifestyle and continue to do the things they love as well as finding time to study.
  • Let them talk it out – be a safe space for them to talk about their worry. Listen, accept, and empathise. Try not to judge what they are saying or tell them what to do.
  • Ensure conversations with your teen do not solely relate to exams. Make long-term plans which include holidays or something fun happening at the weekend.
  • Encourage them to use relaxation techniques, or practice these with them. There are numerous apps that can be used for relaxation.

Additional support

If you feel that your teen’s stress is interfering with their daily functioning, it may be worth seeking professional help with a Psychologist. They can also find further support at:

Emergency care

In you feel that your teen requires emergency mental health care, the following services are available:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Emergency Telehealth Service (Under 18 years – 24 hours – 7 days) 1800 048 636
  • Crisis Care (24 hours) 9223 1111
  • Crisis Care (Country free call) 1800 199 008
  • Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
  • Kids Help Line (Parents) 1800 654 432
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL Metropolitan) 1300 555 788
  • Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL Peel) 1800 676 822
  • Rural Link 1800 552 002
  • QLife 1800 184 527.

Telephone 000 for emergencies.

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