G. Aishwarya who just completed her Class XII examinations in the science stream has solved her chemistry paper around 10 times since the examinations ended. “I evaluate myself each time, just to see if I will make over 95 per cent in the examination,” she explains.
Her parents too, are under a great deal of stress. “To get into a good college, she will need a minimum of 98 per cent. Even then, there will be a lot of competition,” her father Gokul says. The family has been making weekly visits to different temples.
The situation in Aishwarya’s home is only one example of the build up of stress in households with students who have appeared for the Class X and XII exam. A few days before the results, counselling helplines have already started receiving exam-related calls.
The 104 helpline has been receiving around 30 calls a day for the past four or five days related to the examinations.
“The most common calls we get are related to anxiety of the marks they will receive, disturbed sleep, questions on how to deal with parental pressure and insecurity over the kind of correction,” said B. Elayaraja, psychologist, 104 helpline.
For the past two years, the Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre has seen an increase in calls ahead of the results. Founder-trustee Lakshmi Vijayakumar says in the past three days, they have received at least 10 to 12 calls a day of students in distress.
Parents need to be understanding when it comes to stress during exam time, since children are most afraid of disappointing their parents. “Parents should realise these results are only a step in life and not blow it out of proportion as though that will determine how the child will be end up in life,” Dr. Vijayakumar said.
Even before the results, parents should talk to the children and assure them of support.
“If they express their disappointment, or compare with other people, it could be damaging, especially for children whose self-esteem is already low,” she said.
With an increased number of calls, the helpline is looking for volunteers.
“Anyone who is interested in volunteering and helping people in distress can visit the centre, call, or email us,” Dr. Vijayakumar said.
