What is HSC Stress?

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The HSC is a critical time for high school students and bouts of stress and anxiety are common as students prepare for the biggest exams of their teenage lives. Unfortunately, the importance of the exam and perceived implications on a students’ future can induce enormous amounts of self imposed pressure and expectations that can lead to chronic levels of stress, anxiety and depression that persist in a counter-productive and damaging way.

 

Signs:

It is vital to spot the signs early to better support teenagers in managing stress levels. Neglecting these signs may be lead to symptoms of anxiety or depression. Stress from the HSC can manifest in several ways:

• Irregular sleeping patterns

• Skipping meals

• Deterioration in school performance

• Weight gain or loss

• Withdrawn behaviour

• Frequent lying and signs of dishonesty

• Increased restlessness and irritability.

 

Treatment:

Time management (including a regular routine and sleeping patterns), a strong support network and a balanced diet are just some of the tools available to help teenagers manage their emotional and physical wellbeing during this stressful period. A qualified mental health practitioner can also be engaged to provide a range of treatment options, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness techniques.

To find out more, simply contact us.

 

Sources:

Preventing Depression before HSC Stress – Black Dog Institute
Identifying and Beating Stress – The Scotts College