Time to step away from exam anxiety
As the Leaving Cert concludes on Tuesday, June 24, national mental health charity Turn2Me is urging students across Ireland to resist the urge to over-analyse their exam performance. The charity is encouraging young people to try to “keep the Leaving Cert out of their minds” and instead shift their focus to positive, healthy distractions over the summer.
Turn2Me, which offers free professional mental health support online, is reminding students that obsessing over how each exam went or comparing answers with friends can lead to unnecessary anxiety and stress. The organisation warns against falling into the common trap of doing “post-mortems” on papers, which often leads to catastrophizing and negative thought spirals.
"Once you walk out of that exam hall, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to let it go,” said Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. “You’ve done your best, and that’s all anyone can ask. Now it's time to focus on your well-being.”
Turn2Me recommends several practical ways for students to move on from exam stress:
•Get a Summer Job: Whether it’s in retail, hospitality, or helping out at a local business, having a job can provide structure, a sense of purpose, and a welcome distraction from thinking about results.
•Focus on Hobbies and Sports: Whether you’re into football, art, swimming, or playing music, immersing yourself in something you love is a powerful tool for reducing stress.
•Volunteer Locally: Helping out with a local charity, youth group, or community initiative can offer a sense of connection and achievement while contributing positively to your community.
In addition to keeping busy, Turn2Me advises students to practice simple mental health strategies to help manage any lingering stress or anxiety.
“Try deep breathing techniques, spend time in nature, or explore yoga and mindfulness,” O'Malley continued. “Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference to your mood and stress levels.”
For those who find in-person yoga or wellness classes too expensive, the charity recommends free online alternatives. “YouTube is a fantastic resource,” she added. “There are thousands of free yoga and Pilates classes available online that anyone can follow from home, with no need for special equipment.”
O'Malley also emphasised that Leaving Cert results do not define a person’s worth or future.
“You are more than your academic performance. There are so many pathways to success and fulfilment that don’t depend on points alone,” she said. “Whether it’s through apprenticeships, PLC courses, conversion courses, or completely different routes, your Leaving Cert is just one part of your journey.”
Students who are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain are encouraged to access Turn2Me’s free online mental health supports, including up to six free one-to-one counselling sessions, support groups, and self-help tools, available at www.Turn2Me.ie.