Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health, James Browne, has urged students to open up about result day stress as more than 55,000 Leaving Cert students are set to receive their exam results.
Deputy Browne said the lead up to results day can be a stressful period, in particular if a student already suffers with anxiety or other mental health issues.
Deputy Browne said, “To complete the Leaving Cert is a great achievement, and for many this is the start of an exciting new chapter in their lives. For others it’s a particularly stressful time and can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
“Unfortunately, exams do not always go to plan, and it’s important to speak openly if this happens. Do not bottle up your feelings or allow despair to take over. There are plenty of people who are only too willing to listen and offer advice.
“Tuesday will see many timelines and feeds on social media full of happy students and pictures of exam results, but students shouldn’t feel pressure to put their results online, neither should they feel the need to compete.
“Parents too are undoubtedly feeling the stress and it can be very hard to watch a child who has done their very best be disappointed by the outcome. It’s important that they utilise the supports that are available to them, whether it is the teachers in the school or an organisation like Samaritans who will provide a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to exam results, but students need to know they have support and that they have options. The key thing to remember is that there are always alternative pathways to any chosen career”, he concluded.
