Johannesburg - Exam season is renowned for being stressful, and therefore parents have been urged to pay extra attention to their children around this time and ensure they intervene if they spot signs of depression.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) says too much stress and depression can lead to anxiety which, in turn, can cause physical ailments such as headaches, dizziness, and pains in the chest or a tingling sensation in the hands and legs.
Sadag says parents need to ensure that their matric children eat healthily and avoid processed foods which contain a lot of salt, sugar and caffeine.
“Also avoid the use of energy drinks and try to drink between six and eight glasses of water a day. Rather eat brain-boosting foods such as fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits,” Sadag says.
Among some of the signs of suicide that parents need to look out for are:
l Talking or joking about suicide.
l Excessive self-criticism.
l Loss of interest in appearance and a drop in hygiene.
l Changes in personality.
Sadag also warns that if a candidate who is depressed suddenly feels better and is back to normal, it might be a dangerous sign too.
To avoid being overwhelmed by the exams, matrics are advised to break down each subject into sections and allocate time for each of them, using a study style that best fits them.
“We are all different and have different styles of studying,” Sadag says.
“If you are a visual learner, then you will prefer to highlight key points or use mind maps. If you are an auditory learner, then you would like to read things out aloud, or make a rhyme or song. If you are a kinesthetic learner, you would like to walk around the room or change your posture as you study.”
Matrics who feel
overwhelmed or suspect they might be depressed can contact Sadag at 0800 12 13 14 or send a text message to 31393.
Their counselling lines are open every day from 8am to 8pm.
The Star