UPDATED: 15 August 2024
If the words “results day” tie your insides in knots, you certainly aren’t alone. Having made it through the pressure of exam season, the thought of results day looming ahead can feel like a big black cloud over your summer.
First things first… this is completely normal, especially as the day draws closer.
Plus, we are all different, and all handle stress differently. If you are experiencing higher levels of anxiety around receiving your results, we have a few ideas to help you cope beforehand, on the day and afterwards.
Before results day
Talk about it
Don’t bottle your feelings up if you’re feeling anxious. Tell a family member or friend, or even get your feelings down in a journal. Chances are, if you talk to someone else who is waiting for their results, you’ll probably find you’re not alone in your nerves.
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, you can text the word ‘Sussex’ to 85258 to start a conversation. Trained volunteers are on hand 24/7 to listen and support you in a calm and safe place. You can find more information about how the service works on the Give Us a Shout website.
You can also call Childline on 0800 1111, to talk about anything, big or small, any time of day.
Plan ahead
To reduce any extra stress on the day, make sure you are organised. Know where you need to be and when you need to be there. While you might not want to think about not getting the results you wanted, it can also be good to know what steps you need to take to get yourself back on track.
More info on this in the “after” section below!
Rest up
It can be really hard to get a good night’s sleep when all the possible scenarios that could happen are whirring around in your head – but being well rested can help to put you in a more positive frame of mind to face and cope with the day ahead. Try these healthy sleep tips from The Sleep Foundation.
On results day
Don’t go alone
Although you’ll likely have your classmates around you when they hand over your envelope, you might also want to consider having a supportive family member on hand too. They can be a great source of support, advice, and hopefully celebration.
Don’t compete
In a world where a lot of us share everything online it can be hard not to compare yourself to others. Many will share their results with their friends and followers in this way, so if you are feeling anxious or upset about your results it may help to avoid your news feeds for a couple of days. You do not have to open your results with other people and neither do you have to share them if you don’t want to.
Remember: you worked hard for your grades, and we all learn differently. If your friends got higher grades than you – it does not make your achievements any less impressive!
After results day
Got the results you want?
Get out there and celebrate, you absolute superstar! BUT – be mindful that not everyone may be in such high spirits. Your friends may not be in the celebrating mood, so tread lightly and be compassionate if others are upset or need some space.
Didn’t go so well?
Don’t panic! There will still be options available to you. If your next steps are dependent on specific grades, make sure you have the contact details to hand to discuss your options.
If you are struggling with your mental health after getting your results, you can find resources and help, designed with young people in mind, on the East Sussex County Council website, or read our article on mental health tools for young people.
And remember: If you need help, or even just someone to listen, text “Sussex” to 85258 and start a conversation.
