Anxious? SADAG offers support to Matrics – and their parents

With the release of the official Matric results next week, many teens are naturally feeling overwhlemed and anxious.  But the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) wants you to know that you’re not alone.

The non-profit organisation also wants the youth – and their parents – to know that help and resources are available should they need them.

SADAG OFFERS HELP TO ANXIOUS TEENS

In a Facebook post, SADAG invited counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon to offer help to Matric learners who were anxiously awaiting their results.

The medical health professional believes that Matric learners feel pressured by their parents, teachers, and peers not only to pass, but achieve exceptional results. 

Benyon encouraged the youth not to equate their self-worth with their academic grades.

He said: “What we can do is work towards changing our mindsets when it comes to these barriers and fostering a culture that values things like holistic development and finding success beyond academics.

“We need to emphasise things like life-long learning and emotional intelligence.”

Benyon also offered practical tips to Matrics on how to handle their stress and anxiety before the release of the results. They include:

• Practicing mindfulness – Acknowledge and process your emotions to bring yourself to a sense of calm
• Breathing exercises – Take long, deep breaths, hold them in, and exhale.
• Journaling – Writing down your thoughts can help you process your emotions and clear your mind
• Physical exercise – Release endorphins (natural “happy” hormones)  by doing outdoor activities as an opportunity to destress. 

Watch the full video below…

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

Meanwhile SADAG is also offering advice to the parents of Matric learners.

They include tips like:

Empathise: “Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how they may be feeling. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help”.

Listen: “Are you hearing what your teen is telling you? Tell them you are here to listen to them”.

Be proud: “No matter what, be proud of your teen. Show them that you care and are there to help.”

Perspective: “Try and help your teen keep things in perspective. They have their whole lives ahead of them to do and try a range of things”.

GETTING HELP

SADAG urges Matric learners to seek help if they are experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide. The national organisation runs a counselling helpline that is open seven days a week from 8 am to 8pm.

Learners or concerned parents and teachers can contact a SADAG counsellor toll-free on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 31393.

ARE YOU AWAITING YOUR MATRIC RESULTS? HOW ARE YOU FEELING?

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