Pancyprian Exams and Mental Health: How to Support Our Young People

by Theclina Theophilou

The period of national exams is for many students one of the most demanding and emotionally charged periods of their student life. They are called upon, in just a few days, to take a series of mainly written exams that are often linked to their academic and personal expectations, as well as the expectations of their family and social environment.

The intensive studying during this period is often accompanied by strong feelings of anxiety and pressure. The fear of failure, comparison with their peers and the feeling that their future depends on their performance, often create a heavy psychological burden. In modern society, where success is often linked to academic performance, many students feel that they are called upon to prove their “worth” within a few hours of exams. This perception reinforces the pressure they are already experiencing and can affect both their emotional state and their self-esteem.

The Pancyprian Exams, however, are not the only determining factor for a person's future. Performance in an examination process cannot fully capture the capabilities, skills, personality and value of a young person. Mental health, self-esteem and emotional balance of students must remain at the forefront, especially in a period of increased demands and expectations.

The period of exams is often accompanied by increased levels of stress. Students are likely to experience hypersensitivity and tension, exhaustion and difficulty concentrating, frustration and frustration. The important thing is to recognize these symptoms and not treat them as a sign of weakness. Anxiety is a normal human reaction to a demanding situation. What is important is to learn to manage it and take proper care of ourselves.

Stress management is an important part of efficiency in exams but also of all demanding periods in our lives. First and foremost, a balance between nutrition, reading, rest and sleep is needed. Foods that are rich in vitamins and adequate hydration as well as satisfactory sleep help much more than we think. Walking even for 20 minutes a day and contact with nature whenever there is an opportunity have a very positive effect on the psychology and optimism that the teenager needs at this stage. Exercise in particular increases the levels of endorphins in the body, giving a sense of well-being and improving mood. It is equally important for students to dedicate time to activities that offer them relaxation and pleasure, such as a walk or listening to music and contact with friends and family. Moments of rest are not a waste of time, but a necessary element of preparation.

Regarding studying, a realistic plan with a timetable always helps students to be more organized and methodical in their goal. Small practices that help especially when studying are pausing for a few deep breaths (inhaling through the nose, exhaling through the mouth) with conscious monitoring of the movement of the body as it breathes, small written reminders in their space (e.g. on the wall opposite their desk: “I will make it”, “I deserve whatever happens”, “I know that I am doing the best I can”, etc.), sharing their feelings with someone who will listen to them and not judge them.

It is important that this person is their parent. Parents are one of the main supports for children during exams. However, many times, without realizing it, their own anxiety about their children’s future can be transferred to them, intensifying the anxiety and pressure they are already experiencing. Therefore, it is important to support children in all of the above and not to share their own anxiety with them, burdening them further. In a period when students are called upon to manage increased demands and intense emotions, what they need most is an environment of understanding, acceptance and emotional safety. They need people around them who listen to them, support them and encourage them, without exerting pressure or focusing exclusively on the result.

It is equally important for parents to recognize and reward effort, regardless of the final score, and to remind children that their value as people is not determined by a grade. To remind them that there are other options and that it is not a failure to need more time or more efforts to achieve what they want in their lives. To remember that they do not have to be perfect or meet anyone's standard. Exams are an important period, but they do not define who they are or what they can achieve in their lives. When young people feel accepted regardless of their results, they are more likely to face this period with more composure and confidence.

The Pancyprian Exams are an important milestone, but they are not the end or the only chance for success. Life offers many different paths, choices and opportunities for development. What students should take away from this experience is not only the result, but also what they learned about themselves – their perseverance, effort, resilience and ability to face challenges.

In a time of great demands, the most important message is perhaps this: the mental health and well-being of young people are worth more than any exam result.

Theclina Theophilou

Educator - Systemic Psychotherapist