CHILDLINE gets 800 calls a year about exam stress and one in 20 callers has contemplated suicide. A-level students are prominent among these callers.
The Samaritans has produced a pack for schools with ideas for workshops on coping with stress. A Samaritans spokeswoman said: “Sleeplessness, feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, loss of appetite and panic attacks are all symptoms young people experience during this time. Letting them know that they can talk about their anxiety can be like opening a door.”
The Samaritans can be reached 24 hours a day by phoning 0345 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org