Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire’s NHS is geared up to provide essential support to students who may be grappling with the overwhelming anticipation of crucial exam results these next couple of weeks.
A pivotal moment approaches for A-level students, set to unveil the outcome of their efforts in this summer’s examination season on the 17th of August. Subsequently, GCSE students will embark on their own outcome revelations on the 24th of August.
With the aspirations of numerous young minds intertwined with these exam results, this period of the year can turn into an anxiety-ridden journey, possibly culminating in feelings of isolation, anxiety, and despondency.
To steer clear of such a trajectory, students are being encouraged to tap into the array of mental health resources available locally. Comprehensive details of these resources can be found on the official website of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.
Gill May, the astute Chief Nurse of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, acknowledged, “Exam season as a whole can be particularly hard on young people, with everything from revision and sitting the exams, to getting the results and then preparing for either university or college happening in the space of just a few short weeks.”
She further expressed, “It’s no surprise that many students begin to feel run-down, exhausted and just plain worried by the whole situation.
“These sorts of emotions are normal and usually pass in time, but some may want a little help to stop these negative feelings from becoming something unmanageable, and that’s where the NHS can help.
“The help available in our region comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some options based solely online or over the phone, and others happening face-to-face.
“These services are there to be used, and many will only need to ask for help once, but doing so is often all it takes to relieve the stress that could lead to something worse.”
Among the region’s support offerings is ‘Kooth,’ a digital haven where individuals up to 25 years of age can engage in confidential, online dialogues with trained counsellors.
Dr. Lynne Green, the Chief Clinical Officer of Kooth, said, “Reaching out and asking for help and support with mental health and wellbeing concerns is not always easy, and this is especially true for young people awaiting exam results.
“With services available around the clock and at a range of levels, Kooth can offer young people access to timely and effective mental health care whenever and however they need it.”
For those seeking additional information on local mental health provisions, including avenues to seek assistance, an invaluable resource awaits at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk/your-health.
