xAnts

A Levels 2025 results day is fast approaching, and for many students and their parents, it's a time fraught with anxiety. The pressure to achieve those grades can be immense, leading to significant stress and worry. While feeling nervous is perfectly normal, it’s crucial to have strategies in place to manage these emotions and ensure everyone's well-being.

We spoke to a leading mental health expert to gather practical tips and advice for students facing results day jitters, and for parents who want to offer the best possible support. Here’s what they had to say:

Understanding the Anxiety

“Results day anxiety isn’t just about the grades themselves,” explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health. “It’s often tied to fears about the future, expectations – both self-imposed and from others – and a sense of uncertainty. It’s vital to acknowledge these feelings as valid and not dismiss them.”

Tips for Students

1. Prepare in Advance: Don't leave everything to the last minute. Review your predicted grades and have a backup plan in mind – whether it's clearing through UCAS, exploring alternative courses, or considering a gap year. Knowing you have options can significantly reduce anxiety.

2. Limit Social Media: Seeing others’ reactions online can amplify your own anxieties. Take a break from social media on results day and the days leading up to it.

3. Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and exercise. Even a short walk or listening to your favourite music can make a difference.

4. Talk About It: Don't bottle up your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or school counsellor. Sharing your worries can help to alleviate them.

5. Remember Your Worth: Your grades don't define you. You are more than just a number. Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and the things you enjoy.

Tips for Parents

1. Be a Calm Presence: Your child will be looking to you for reassurance. Stay calm and supportive, even if you're feeling anxious yourself.

2. Listen Without Judgment: Let your child express their feelings without interruption or criticism. Validate their emotions and let them know you’re there for them.

3. Avoid Pressure: Refrain from making comments about their grades or future prospects. Focus on their effort and resilience, rather than just the outcome.

4. Offer Practical Support: Help them explore their options, whether it’s contacting universities, looking at alternative courses, or seeking career advice.

5. Encourage Self-Care: Remind them to take care of themselves and offer to do activities together that they enjoy.

Where to Find Support

If anxiety becomes overwhelming, remember there are resources available to help. Here are a few:

• YoungMinds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
• The Mix: https://www.themix.org.uk/
• Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
• Your school or college counsellor

Results day can be a stressful time, but with the right support and strategies, students and parents can navigate it with greater confidence and resilience. Remember, there's always a path forward, and you’re not alone.