Parents urged to help matrics as they await results

With less than a week to go before matriculants find out how they performed in their final exams, Clinical Psychologist, Ruvé Esterhuysen, is urging the class of 2024 to remain calm to avoid stress, which might lead to panic attacks.

The psychologist’s appeal comes a few hours after the Department of Basic Education (DBE) was given the thumbs up to publish the 2024 Matric results in newspapers.

Esterhuysen is urging parents and guardians to support their children to ensure that they don’t suffer in silence as anxiety and the fear of not achieving their desired results peak.

She warns that stress among teenagers can lead to suicidal thoughts or even attempts, if not addressed.

The psychologist is also urging teens to avoid isolating themselves at home, as this can exacerbate anxiety.

“Modern life is a stressful experience, and we all need help and support, and there must be no stigma around seeking that help. People who reach out to friends, family and professionals are showing responsible behaviour,” she says.

According to Life Healthcare, 9.5% of teenagers in Mzansi die by suicide.

Esterhuysen is appealing to parents and guardians to be on the lookout for red flags, which include the depressive symptoms cited below.

• Major changes in emotions and in behaviour
• Becoming sensitive to rejection, failure or critique
• Lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed

She is also advising teenagers to use apps like Calm and VoidPet to calm their minds.

She has also urged parents to contact Life Mental Health services, or the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) should they spot any concerns.