Noida: A day after a 19-year-old school student allegedly jumped to his death from the 22nd floor of his tower after his English core paper in Greater Noida West, psychologists said intense pressure to secure top grades for admissions into premier institutions has been leading to cases of fear, uneasiness, panic attacks, and even weight loss.
Experts said parents must maintain proper communication with their children and ensure they are able to cope with any outcome from the examination and are not forced to face any shaming.
Doctors have noted a rise in performance anxiety among students, which can negatively affect one’s ability to concentrate, recollect information and perform well during exams.
At least 5-6 students are visiting clinics every week, reporting symptoms like increased heart rate, trembling, negative thoughts and more, doctors said.
A 16-year-old student from the city, who is appearing for the Class 10 Boards, recently visited a psychologist with her parents with complaints of negative thinking and stress.
A Ghaziabad student appearing for the Class 12 Boards visited a psychologist with symptoms like trembling and sudden panic. Despite being prepared, he said he feels underprepared and often thinks about not getting a college seat.
“The board exams decide admissions in premier institutions and universities. At times, parents are aspirational and increase the pressure on their children by goading them to achieve the highest grades. We advise parents to support their children in taking some time away from studies so that they feel confident,” said Dr Anviti Gupta, dean of Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dr Gupta goes on to say, “School students equate Board exams with anxiety because of the pressure imposed by parents and peers. The anxiety starts building up from when they start preparing for the exams and stretches till the exam results are out. Even after the examinations the parents must try and keep children stress-free and ready to accept any kind of result.”
Another way to deal with exam anxiety is to practice effective time management – having a study schedule that enables students to take breaks and get adequate rest, doctors advised.
Dr Samant Darshi, consultant psychiatrist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, exhoed similar sentiments.
“Exam anxiety can result in a range of physical, emotional and cognitive indicators. Physical indicators may include perspiration, sweaty palms, headaches and muscle tightness. Emotional indicators can manifest as guilt, anger, excessive study, or poor nutrition,” the doctor added.
Experts said parents must maintain proper communication with their children and ensure they are able to cope with any outcome from the examination and are not forced to face any shaming.
Doctors have noted a rise in performance anxiety among students, which can negatively affect one’s ability to concentrate, recollect information and perform well during exams.
At least 5-6 students are visiting clinics every week, reporting symptoms like increased heart rate, trembling, negative thoughts and more, doctors said.
A 16-year-old student from the city, who is appearing for the Class 10 Boards, recently visited a psychologist with her parents with complaints of negative thinking and stress.
A Ghaziabad student appearing for the Class 12 Boards visited a psychologist with symptoms like trembling and sudden panic. Despite being prepared, he said he feels underprepared and often thinks about not getting a college seat.
“The board exams decide admissions in premier institutions and universities. At times, parents are aspirational and increase the pressure on their children by goading them to achieve the highest grades. We advise parents to support their children in taking some time away from studies so that they feel confident,” said Dr Anviti Gupta, dean of Sharda School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dr Gupta goes on to say, “School students equate Board exams with anxiety because of the pressure imposed by parents and peers. The anxiety starts building up from when they start preparing for the exams and stretches till the exam results are out. Even after the examinations the parents must try and keep children stress-free and ready to accept any kind of result.”
Another way to deal with exam anxiety is to practice effective time management – having a study schedule that enables students to take breaks and get adequate rest, doctors advised.
Dr Samant Darshi, consultant psychiatrist at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, exhoed similar sentiments.
“Exam anxiety can result in a range of physical, emotional and cognitive indicators. Physical indicators may include perspiration, sweaty palms, headaches and muscle tightness. Emotional indicators can manifest as guilt, anger, excessive study, or poor nutrition,” the doctor added.