Receiving year 12 exam results can bring increased feelings of stress and uncertainty as many young people worry about their performance and the impact that year 12 results may have on their future goals and plans.
As many school leavers await the release of exam results this week, headspace is reminding year 12 students and their families and friends there are many paths to achieving goals and to look after their mental health during this time.
"It's important to remember that 2020 is a year unlike any other we've experienced as a community and the additional challenges of the year felt by young people everywhere, including COVID-19 and natural disasters, should not be underestimated," Carolyn Watts, headspace Vocational Programs Manager said.
Watts points out that this is can be an important time for young people to ask for help, both through their family and personal networks as well as through appropriate services.
"As young people receive year 12 results, I would encourage them to try and take some of the pressure off themselves and remember there are many ways to achieve your goals.
"If you feel like you're looking for additional support on what you might do next - it's important to remember that there is help available.
"headspace Work and Study and headspace Career Mentoring provide personalised support to help young people build their confidence, explore employment and educational opportunities and to develop job seeking skills.
"Parents, families and friends can also be a big support for young people during this period of change, by providing reassurance, support and perspective. They can encourage young people to do things that promote a healthy headspace including keeping active, getting good sleep and maintaining social connections.
Young people who might be concerned about work or study can get free and confidential support from the work and study specialists at headspace here: https://headspace.org.au/work-and-study-support/.
