How to manage stress and mental health after A-Level results
Has your teenager just received their A-Level results? How are they feeling?
It’s quite common to feel a mix of emotions after receiving A-level results: proud, happy, disappointed, frustrated, overwhelmed, or numb. Whatever they are feeling, it’s all normal.
The days that follow can feel challenging too; all this focus can leave a young person feeling stressed about what’s next. We've compiled some tips to support your teenager's mental wellbeing.
Get them moving
Going for a walk, being in nature, or doing some exercise can significantly lift someone’s mood. Even if they’re not feeling up to it, motivate them to go for a walk; this will help clear their mind and give them some space to think things through. Being in nature brings a sense of calm, and exercise will get their blood flowing and heart pumping for the perfect mental health boost.
No comparing
As tempting as it is, encourage your child not to compare themselves to others. Remind them that this is their own path, and everyone's progress looks different. Advise against scrolling through social media to check on friends or other students' results, as that only adds pressure. Even if they didn’t achieve the grades they were hoping for, it doesn’t define their future. There are always other routes and opportunities ahead.
Get social
Now is the chance for them to enjoy time with their friends again, relax and have some summer fun.
The hobbies they put on hold, inspire them to start them up again, the gym membership that’s not been used in a while encourage them to get back into their gym routine.
A healthy body means a healthy mind
Eating their 5-a-day and three meals a day will improve their mindset. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping between 7-9 hours will give their body the rest it needs.
These are just some suggestions, but if your teenager is feeling anxious or overwhelmed by their results, it’s good to talk through these feelings. Encourage them to talk about their feelings with you, another family member, carer, teacher, or maybe someone they don’t know, which might help them feel more comfortable. But let them know they don’t keep their feelings to themselves; they are not alone.
Remind them that their results do not determine their future. Many successful people didn’t achieve the grades they wanted and went on to have amazing careers, share some real-life examples. Also, this is just the start of their career journey, and life always presents us with options.
You can find some useful information around supporting young people’s mental health on our website: Support for Children & Young People | Frimley Health and Care
Other useful links:
Getting Active | Frimley Health and Care