One in Six Year‑12 Students Battle Extreme Exam Stress, Psychologists Offer Relief Strategies

One in six Year‑12 learners experience severe stress that disrupts sleep and wellbeing, potentially lowering exam scores. Clinical psychologists who study academic pressure explain that exam anxiety is a normal fight‑or‑flight response triggered by the brain when it senses danger, even if that danger is a test. The response raises heart rate, blood pressure and can cause stomach unease, dizziness or sweaty palms, which are unhelpful while solving maths problems. Negative thoughts such as “I will fail” or “I will forget everything” amplify the perceived threat and increase anxiety. Researchers say replacing catastrophising with realistic questions – for example, asking if total failure is likely or if a perfect score is essential – can calm nerves. Simple breathing exercises also work: inhale while counting to four, exhale over four, and repeat, gradually slowing the count. During reading time, scan the paper, pick the questions you feel most confident about and answer them first to build momentum. For essays, read all prompts before writing; this activates brain networks and makes information easier to retrieve for tougher questions later. Moderate stress can actually boost alertness and motivation, but excessive stress harms performance. After the exam, a walk or run helps burn cortisol and restores calm. Anyone struggling can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for support. ## Context