• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 69 subscribers
  • Views 1037 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Exam Stress consequences how to help

NAS83162

Hello,

My daughter aged 18 years old is so stressed that she can not sleep until midnight. Can not get her revision organised and is depressed. Went to see the doctor and gave her Sertralin 25 mg. Stopped after 4 days as nausea and diarrhea. Not sure that giving antidepressant before exams is good because of the side effects and the time it takes to work. I do not know what to do as will not listen . 

  • It is understandable that you are feeling anxious and concerned about your daughter's lack of sleep, organization, and depression. Exam stress can be a difficult issue to manage, as it requires finding a balance between a plan for success on exams and also managing the potential drawbacks from medications in order to ensure her physical and mental health.

    There are some steps that could support your daughter during this stressful time. Firstly, it is important to create an action plan with her that outlines how she will make it through exams while minimizing anxiety levels. This could include setting achievable goals or breaking large tasks into small chunks with milestones along the way - giving her a sense of control over what she needs to achieve as well as showing self-care enabling rest periods in among study days. Through this process, you may also find ways to reduce any sources of academic pressure such as excessive competition or parental expectations that may be exacerbating her stress level.

    Encouraging relaxation techniques like yoga or mindfulness activities can help your daughter center herself physically and mentally when needed throughout exam season - these activities have been found helpful for students dealing with academic stress both short term and long term. Additionally, networking with friends for mutual support has been seen successful in lowering feelings of overwhelm among students!

    With regards to medication: we need more research into examining the effects of antidepressants on young people specifically before we would suggest either pursuing or avoiding use thereof - however doctors do often prescribe psychiatric medications (like Sertralin) carefully following evaluation protocols conducted by specialized professionals who take into account your daughter's individual circumstances including any family history related information relevant at point in time too; they consider all available options available before recommending medications/ treatment plans tailored just for her wellbeing as well as taking side effects observed into consideration when weighing up pros & cons associated!

  • Hello NAS83162,

    I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is so stressed before her exams. The NAS website has an article called ' Preparing autistic children and young people for exams'. You might find some useful information in the article. And if you scroll down, you will find more articles. Here is the link: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/preparing-exams

    All the best,

    Karin Mod