Anxiety in Teenagers: Supporting Young People Through Exam Season
Why Exams Trigger Anxiety
For teenagers, exams represent more than just academic tests—they often symbolise pressure, expectations, and fear of failure. GCSEs, in particular, are a high-stakes milestone that can trigger intense anxiety in even the most capable students.
Adolescents are still developing emotionally, making them more vulnerable to stress. Coupled with identity formation, peer comparison, and academic demands, it’s no wonder many teens feel overwhelmed at this time of year.
Signs of Exam-Related Anxiety in Teenagers
Teenagers may not always verbalise their stress. Look for behavioural and physical signs such as:
Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
Irritability, mood swings, or emotional outbursts
Withdrawal from friends or hobbies
Procrastination or avoidance of revision
Perfectionism or fear of getting things wrong
Headaches, stomach aches, or frequent illnesses
Recognising these signs early can make a big difference in how teens cope.
How to Support Teenagers During Exam Season
✅ Create a Calm, Supportive Environment
Teenagers absorb the emotional tone around them. A calm, non-judgemental presence can reduce their stress levels.
👉 Try this: Let them know their value isn’t based on grades.
✅ Help Them Structure Their Time
Anxiety often stems from feeling overwhelmed. Structure brings predictability and control.
👉 Try this: Co-create a manageable revision schedule with built-in breaks and downtime.
✅ Encourage Self-Care & Balance
Revision is important—but so is rest. Promote good sleep, nutritious food, and movement.
👉 Try this: Model balanced habits by taking regular screen breaks and talking openly about stress.
✅ Normalise Anxiety & Talk About Emotions
Let your teen know that feeling anxious is common and okay.
👉 Try this: Ask open-ended questions like, "What’s feeling hardest right now?" instead of "Are you okay?"
✅ Limit Comparison & Pressure
Comparing teens to siblings, friends, or past performance can increase anxiety.
👉 Try this: Focus on effort over outcome—praise resilience, not just results.
✅ Know When to Seek Professional Help
If your teen’s anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or affects daily functioning, therapy can offer structured support.
How Counselling Helps Teenagers with Exam Stress
A counsellor can support teenagers by:
Teaching coping tools for anxiety and overwhelm
Helping them challenge negative self-beliefs
Building confidence and emotional resilience
Offering a non-judgemental space to talk through fears and pressures
Final Thoughts: Supporting Mental Health Over Academic Pressure
Exams are important, but your teenager’s mental health is more so. With the right support, they can learn to manage stress and approach challenges with confidence.
📞 Is your teen struggling with exam anxiety? I offer counselling in Birmingham to help young people develop emotional resilience and navigate stress.
👉 Visit www.integrativecounsellingbirmingham.co.uk to book a session today.
