Written By Maria La Pietra
Year 12 is often described as one of the most challenging periods in a young person’s life. The final year of high school marks a crucial transition point, with young people facing the pressure of exams that can shape their future academic and career paths. The stress of these exams can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, burnout and a host of mental health challenges. Understanding the sources of this stress and knowing how to support young people through it is essential for parents, educators, and peers.
The Sources of Stress
- Academic Pressure: Year 12 exams are often seen as the gateway to university and other future opportunities. This pressure to perform can create immense stress as young people strive to meet expectations from themselves, their families and society.
- Uncertainty About the Future: The decisions made during Year 12 can feel permanent, adding to the anxiety. The fear of not getting into a desired course or not knowing what to do after school can weigh heavily on the young person.
- Perfectionism and Comparison: Many young people feel the need to achieve perfection and the culture of comparison—whether through grades, university offers or even social media—can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress.
- Balancing Life Demands: A year 12 young person often juggle part-time work, social life, extracurricular activities and family commitments alongside their studies. This balancing act can lead to burnout.
The Psychological Impact of Year 12 Stress
The stress associated with Year 12 exams is not just an academic concern; it can have significant psychological consequences that may affect young people both in the short and long term. Here are some of the key psychological impacts:
- Increased Anxiety and Depression: The pressure to succeed can lead to heightened levels of anxiety which, if left unmanaged, can develop into clinical anxiety disorders. Similarly, the fear of failure or perceived underachievement can trigger depressive symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities and feelings of worthlessness.
- Cognitive Overload: The constant focus on studying and exam preparation can lead to cognitive overload, where the brain becomes overwhelmed by the amount of information it is trying to process. This can result in difficulty concentrating, memory lapses and a decline in academic performance, further exacerbating stress and anxiety.
- Impaired Sleep and Chronic Fatigue: The psychological strain of Year 12 can lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia or poor-quality sleep. This lack of restorative rest can cause chronic fatigue, affecting both mental and physical health and can create a vicious cycle of stress and exhaustion.
- Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Year 12 young people often tie their self-worth to their academic performance. A poor result can lead to feelings of inadequacy and damage self-esteem, which can have long-lasting effects on their confidence and self-perception.
- Social Withdrawal: As stress levels increase, the young person may withdraw from social activities and friendships. This isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and anxiety, reducing their support network when they need it most.
- Burnout: The intense pressure to perform can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Burnout can manifest as apathy, disillusionment and a sense of being overwhelmed that can severely impact a young person’s motivation and wellbeing.
Recognising Signs of Stress
It’s crucial for parents, teachers, and friends to recognise the signs of stress in Year 12 young people. These can include:
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, fatigue and changes in sleep patterns.
- Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability and feelings of hopelessness or overwhelm.
- Behavioural Changes: Withdrawal from social activities, changes in eating habits or a noticeable drop in academic performance.
Supporting a Young Person Through Year 12
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for the young person to talk about their feelings without fear of judgment. Sometimes, just being heard can alleviate some of the stress.
- Promote Balance: Encourage a balanced approach to study and life. Ensure the young person is taking breaks, getting enough sleep and engaging in physical activity, which can all help reduce stress levels.
- Help Set Realistic Goals: Work with the young person to set achievable goals and manage expectations. It’s important for them to understand that their worth is not solely defined by their academic performance.
- Teach Stress-Management Techniques: Introduce relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness exercises. These can be effective tools in managing anxiety and staying focused.
- Be Available: Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there for them can make a big difference. Whether it’s a parent, teacher or friend, being available to talk or offer a listening ear can provide significant emotional support.
- Encourage Professional Support if Needed: If the stress becomes unmanageable, it might be necessary to seek help from a mental health professional. School counsellors, psychologists and support services are available and can offer guidance tailored to the needs of the young person.
- Focus on the Bigger Picture: Remind the young person that while Year 12 is important, it is not the only path to success. There are multiple pathways to achieve their goals and life offers many opportunities beyond high school.
Year 12 exams can be a time of significant stress for young people, but with the right support and strategies they can navigate this challenging period with greater resilience. By fostering open communication, promoting balance and offering emotional and practical support, we can help young people manage the pressures of Year 12 and emerge stronger and more confident in their abilities to face future challenges.
Maria La Pietra, Founder and Head of Professional Practice at SASY (Specialised Assistance School for Youth)
Maria is a highly accomplished and well respected professional with a dedication to improving the mental health of young people, their supporters and educators. Working closely across the allied health and education industries, she offers solution-based responses to wellbeing challenges through to extensive trauma through practical evidence-based strategies. Reinventing learning for young people and rewiring educational philosophies, she is gifted at confronting stereotypes and social norms to benefit all ages across society.
