HSC students should be mindful of mental health as exams approach

With 40 per cent of young people experiencing ill mental health, HSC students are being reminded exams results do not measure their worth.

THE Higher School Certificate exams are starting in less than two weeks but the biggest test for the 70,000 students is staying on top of their mental health.

After two years of Covid, youth mental health service Headspace said almost 40 per cent of young people are now reporting mental health issues.

Headspace youth national reference group member and HSC student Gerard-Lachlan Abadines, 17, said it was important for students to “run their own race”.

“Hearing about how much studying everyone else is doing, or how everyone thought an exam went, can cause me to doubt myself,” Gerard said.

“But it’s important to focus on running your own race and looking after yourself.”

Gerard-Lachlan Abadines 17, and his dad Gil. Picture: Tim Hunter.

The Western Sydney student said preparing early had also helped him.

“Trial exams helped me gain confidence that I will get through it, and the results gave me direction on what else I need to do to succeed,” he said.

Gerard is trying to prioritise his mental health despite the stress of his final exams. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“I also find studying with friends helpful. It helps build support systems and keeps me accountable. It reminds me that I’m not alone in the process.

“As a young person living with mental ill-health, I’ve also tried to make time with my mental health professional to check-in during exam season, so we can talk about how I’m going and the sorts of supports I might need.”

Headscape vocational programs manager Carolyn Watts said the most important thing was for students to remember exam results were not a measure of their worth.

“Exam results do not determine your future,” Ms Watts said.

For 24/7 crisis support: Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

www.headspace.org.au