Gerry Dobbin, branch director of the Clare Samaritans, has urged exam students to talk about their feelings if they feel the pressure is getting to them.

The Leaving and Junior Cert exams are looming large for teenagers around the county and a survey carried out by the Samaritans and YouGov has shown that exams and the associated pressure is one of the biggest worries for more than half (52%) of young people in Ireland.
“It is natural to feel anxious around this time. If you feel alone and are struggling to manage your stress during the exam period, talking about your feelings can help,” said Mr Dobbin.
“Not only does talking offer emotional relief but it can also help you to gain perspective and clarity before your emotions spiral out of control and become unmanageable.
“If you feel there is no one you can talk to, this is where the Samaritans can help; we are there to offer you confidential emotional support 24/7, so please get in touch at any time on 1850 609090 or jo@samaritans.org.”
Dr Mike Shooter, Samaritans trustee and youth mental health expert, offers tips to deal with what can be a difficult time. “Exams can bring with them a whirlwind of emotions; panic, anxiety, fear of failure and fear about the future such as getting into university or finding a job in a time of recession.
“My advice to students is first to plan their revision timetable in advance, with a comfortable amount of work per day. Include in your timetable regular breaks for doing things outside your work, such as socialising with friends or family, or just enjoying life by yourself.
“It’s important to look after yourself physically – eat healthily, sleep well and get regular exercise. Stress often undermines physical health if you let it, so these things are important. Try to get things into perspective too, although exams are important, remember they are not your only chance at success in life.”
He also advised young people to avoid substance abuse. “Don’t drink heavily or take drugs. You may think it will help at the time but it will only make things worse in the long run.”
Dr Shooter will be hosting a live webcast on May 27 from 7-8pm.
If you are worried about exams – whether you are a student, parent or teacher – you can email in your questions and Mike and his guests will be there to offer advice and support.
Further details are available online at www.samaritans.org.