Do exams have you stressed out? Are you on the verge of boiling point and ready to give up? Have you sensed a change in your own character and attitude towards your schooling and life? … You are not alone!

Whilst on the verge of the year 12 final exams nation wide, at BB we see a worrying trend of anxiety, depression and stress amongst teens. With the experience of Dan Auerbach a psychotherapist from Associated Councilors Sydney, together with the advice and input of the Bellaboo crew, we hope to shed light on this troubled period to avoid bouts self doubt, worry and negative change.

Stress is described as the emotional and at times physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the exterior world. As humans it is almost impossible for us to live a stress-free life. It is so natural in fact that with the expectation of the final exams within Australia and the motivation to attend elite universities that 30% of teens suffer with contributing illnesses including, depression paranoia and anxiety at some point!

According to Dan these illnesses are bought upon by a push in social, cultural and physical change through early adulthood, he says;

"There is a huge level of hormonal change, developmental change and the roles, responsibilities and the relationships that young people have are changing dramatically at that time. If you have people that are struggling with enormous social and identity pressures you have to work out who they are, where they fit in and who they see themselves as being.

"You have the document that they need to achieve which is the HSC (NSW). It is closely linked to where they see themselves as going. You've got peer groups and parents and the structure of the HSC all pointing towards different directions."

Teens are more often then not keeping these problems and concerns bottled up. Dan believes that this is an extremely unhealthy trait and in order to help someone, you need to look for warning signs;

"Look for a change in ordinary behaviour of a person. Note if there are certain things interfering with schooling and socializing or normal work! It may also be a strong change in attitude; if they have always been very quiet and are now bubbly. People always throw out little hints and show signs that explain that they are not ok. Always ask questions; what did you mean by that? Is that really what you think?

Teenage people like ordinary people are doing two things at once, they are sending out signals to show that they aren't ok but at the same time they are trying to cover up and convince you that they are ok and don't need help. So as a spectator you have to read between the lines and take the time to ask people what is going on for them and reassure them that if things aren't ok than that's ok too!"

Dan's advice for you;

"Try and find someone to use as a sounding board or a mentor person to follow your studies. Regular councilors as well as school councilor are great for that. Make sure it is someone you can gain perspective with. Large tasks and objectives can seem quite daunting so break things into smaller chunks. Maybe a study plan, study buddy or have someone to see the bigger picture with.

"If you are feeling depressed or anxious talk about it, don't keep it bottled up. Always understand that there is professional help available. The years circulating around early adulthood are seen as trying times in your life so don't go through it alone if you feel you can't.

For your parents;

"If there is something to say to parents it would be that this is a difficult time and the most responsibility that your child or young person has ever had and it is the time to watch support and encourage, give practical skills whether its coaching or whatever needed really help them navigate the social and practical side of year 12."

Check out what the Bellaboo crew had to say about stress, exams and dealing with the combination:

Do you experience pressure at school, and if yes what are the primary causes for this?

Jess: "Being in the HSC there is a lot of pressure to get high marks and study long hours. My parents also add a little pressure as they want me to do well, so I feel at times that I have a constant pile up of pressure on me. "

Ash: "I think individuals create their own pressure- however if it were to come from someone in particular, I would most likely say my teachers."

How do you deal with stress?

Lucy: " I have this slightly OCD thing going on where if I'm stressed and I have too much work with too little time that I write down on every single day what I am doing study wise. I spend a-g-e-s writing this up and plan a million times over when I'm doing what, when, where and why!...But whether the study actually gets done or not, yes, well, that's a different story. It does seem to relieve the stress though."

Ash: "I have a relax period when I get home from school for an hour or two where I just read a book, watch a TV show or have a lie down. I don't let anyone talk to me about school work whilst I'm in my relaxed period. It also helps me to concentrate longer after if I have had a substantial break."

How prevalent do you believe depression is at school during senior years, have you ever experienced it?

Lizzie: "Depression is very prevalent among senior students. Many of my friends are depressed or have been at a point in their lives. I too, have experienced depression at a point in my life shortly before I changed schools. I wasn't happy in my school environment and the group of people I was in with. I moved and recovered very well. I think a lot of people overlook depression as a way of seeking attention. This can make life a lot worse for the person, so it is really important to be there for you friends if they are unhappy-even if it is a bit of a drag for you."

Who supports you?

Christy-lee: "I find that my family does help but my teachers always know the right thing to say."

Sarah: "My friends are awesome."

Is there enough support out there for teens during this time?

Sarah: "I think it really depends. I would like to see more programs become more accessible for teens. People often are afraid to speak out and look for help, so I think that more means of support would do society some good."

Lucy: "Anyone that can say they either have friends, siblings, parents or teachers/councilors can find support in SOMEONE."

What advice do you give to students who are about to begin year 12 final exams?

Jess: "Its only one year of your life where you have to work really hard, so work hard and then party."

Lizzie: "Start work in advance so you're not struggling. Do not focus every second of you life on study. You will become stressed which isn't conducive to an effective work environment. Make sure to have one night or day of the week out with your friends to help you relax and enjoy the year. Oh and don't miss out on the 18th birthday parties because they are what makes year 12 bearable!"

What have you learned about dealing with study, exams and a hectic schedule?

Jess: "It pays of to listen in class. Be sure to ask teachers if u need help and always make some time to study. Leaving things to the last minute is not a good thing."

"That I need sleep! My stupid study plans never run on schedule, because I never set myself enough time for each subject and then I go way way over and oh, don't get me started!"

Comment below to give us your thoughts!

If you would like professional help or advice for any problems that you may be having, be sure to follow the link provided: www.counsellingsydney.com.au