As Year 12 students prepare for the HSC exams, mental health concerns are rising with just over a month until the final assessments begin.
The last round of exams will start on October 15, marking a critical period for senior students across New South Wales.
Woonona High School student Asha Simpson, 17, said she was feeling stressed and anxious about the exams.
“I feel this pressure of the exams defining who I will be next year,” Miss Simpson said.
“Coming up to the exams the year group has become a bit sour with anxieties flying through the roof.”
Miss Simpson described how she is managing her mental health and the need to constantly reassure herself and keep motivated
“I keep telling myself that I want to keep achieving and that we all have skills in different areas,” she said.
Constant study schedules and the expectation from teachers to achieve high grades also adds to the pressure, and has left some students overwhelmed.
Woonona High School student Natasha Sheppard, 18, is also feeling stressed and nervous.
“There’s a lot of subjects that are a lot harder these days, and retaining the information has affected my everyday life now too,” Miss Sheppard said
Miss Sheppard has explained the effect that the exams have had on her everyday social life.
“The exams have begun to have an overbearing burden on me that carries through each day it feels like,” she said.
Mental health professionals urge students to seek support and practice self-care to manage anxiety effectively during the HSC exam period.
UNSW Mental Health Clinician, Leon Dong told the Univeristy of New South Wales that the best way to look after your health during the HSC included having a quiet night in, exercise and spending time outdoors, balancing studying and social life, meditation and journaling.
The HSC exams begin on October 15 and ends on November 8.