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Leaving Cert and Junior Cert survival

Blog: Tips on how to get through the exams without losing your cool.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

It’s that time of the year again, when thousands of students across Ireland start the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams. Exam time can be stressful, so we’ve put together lots of tips and supportive information to help you through the next two weeks.

GOOD LUCK from the SpunOut.ie crew to everyone who begins their exams today!!

During the exams:

Manage stress
Exam morning tips
Stay healthy during exams  
Support organisations if you need to talk to someone
Panic attacks
Young people’s chill out tips
True life exam stress

After the exams:

Exam results
After school options
Celebrate the end of school
True life exam stress

If you need to talk to someone right now then contact one of these organisations for confidential support 24 hours a day- no matter your age or where you are.

Samaritans PHONE: 1850 609090
(Northern Ireland: 08457 909090)
Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

ChildLine FREEPHONE: 1800 66 66 66
Childline is a 24-hour a day service for young people up to 18. Childline offer support to young people through the listening service over the phone and through the website. You can call Childline for a chat or to talk about any problems you might have.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self harm, you should immediately contact your local doctor or go to the Casualty unit of the nearest hospital.

Who to ask for help:

  • Talk to someone you trust (perhaps a family member, school counsellor or a friend) and ask them to support you in finding help.
  • Talk to your doctor, a school or college counsellor or support services in the area where you live.
  • Contact one of the many support organisations and helplines that will be more than willing to help.
  • See the Need help now? factsheet for information on some of the main support organisations and services available.
  • Northern Ireland: We are developing a full range of Northern Ireland support links on SpunOut.ie. In the meantime, visit the MindingYourHead website for contact details of support organisations in Northern Ireland.

When seeking help, remember:

  • Be truthful about the problem and tell all the facts.
  • State whether you want your problem to be kept confidential and ask whether the person can do this for you. Some organisations are obliged to report issues such as rape or abuse to the authorities.
  • Often services such as counselling and helplines are overworked and may not be able to help straight away but hang in there and demand to get help.
  • Don’t let the cost, location or hours of service put you off. You have a right to help and/ or treatment. Remind the doctor/ clinic of this.
  • Make sure they LISTEN to you, TREAT YOU WITH RESPECT and DON’T JUDGE YOU.