North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) is offering tips to young people that might be feeling worried or stressed about their exam results.

Young people might experience a range of different feelings when collecting their results ranging from pride and excitement to feeling pressured, worried and stressed.

NELFT, which provides mental health services across North East London, Kent and Essex, has some practical self-care tips that might make a big difference.

Give yourself some credit 

Worrying about the future, like getting into university or getting a job is normal, but no matter what the results give yourself credit for completing your exams. Once you get your results, whatever they are take some much-deserved time to celebrate.

Talk to someone about your results

It can be hard to feel satisfied if you haven't got the results you wanted. Whatever you're feeling, you're not alone - talking about your results can really help.

Your parents/carers, family and/or friends can be a good source of support to talk through your thoughts and feelings, as well as to help you make decisions, whatever your results are.

Plan for the future

Doing better or worse than you expected can make it hard to know what to do next, but there are always options.

There are lots of things you can do after your exams. For example, you could complete further study, take on an apprenticeship or start full-time work.

Everyone is different and it’s important you do what’s right for you.

Gill Burns, Director of Children Services at NELFT, said:

“Feeling stressed, worried, or under pressure about exam results can be difficult to manage. But there are things that can help – it's about finding what's right for you.

“When feelings of stress become too much to manage, this can affect our mental health. It’s important to remember that it's okay to ask for help at any time.”

Find out more about emotional wellbeing support for young people at Kent Secondary Schools | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust