Coping with Academic Pressure: When to Ask for Help and Where

Are you juggling assignments, exam dates, endless studying, sports clubs, socialising, family responsibilities or a part time job? Do you feel like you’re spinning too many plates, and they’re all threatening to come crashing down?

At times like these, it’s tempting to power through on your own, but this can lead to exhaustion, stress or anxiety, and burnout. No matter how strong or independent you might be, you can’t do everything alone without support. And more importantly, you don’t have to. Your school or college days can seem lonely when it comes to getting the work done – after all, no one can do the work but you. 

However, it’s healthy to ask for help and support managing your workload and putting strategies in place so that you are better able to cope with all your responsibilities.

 

When Should I Get Help?

It may feel hard to admit it, but many teenagers need some support or backup during their school and college days. If you have noticed any of the following, it might be time to bring in reinforcements:

• Your workload feels unmanageable
• Prioritising tasks seems impossible
• You’ve lost motivation
• You can’t stop procrastinating
• It feels like you’ve reached a mental block
• You feel so overwhelmed that it’s affecting your sleep, eating habits, or personal hygiene
• You can’t focus on your studies
• Your emotions are spiralling into stress, anxiety or sadness, or you are worried about your mental health in any other way
• You’ve started missing days of school because you can’t face it 

If any of the above sound familiar, it’s time to get help. Pushing through alone could affect your mental health, overall wellbeing, and academic performance. It’s ok to ask for support – we all need help from time to time.

 

Who Can I Turn To?

Once you’ve decided it’s time to get support or advice, there are lots of people and places you can turn to.

1 Teachers

Your first stop might be your teachers – they’re there to help! Depending on your individual situation, this might be your class tutor, head of year, a specific mentor, or a subject teacher. Reflect on what you need help with, and who might be best placed to support you.

Ask to book a time to see them so that you won’t be interrupted and can fully explain your concerns. Teachers may be able to help by giving you clarity on an assignment, offering you an extension on a deadline, or helping you work out a study plan. Asking for help in this way is a great way to demonstrate that you are driven and motivated to make positive changes.

 2 School Counsellor

Check if your school has a counsellor, and ask to make an appointment with them. School counsellors are experienced in helping teenagers navigate academic, social and personal issues.

During a block of counselling appointments, you may learn coping mechanisms and study techniques, as well as receiving support for any personal difficulties you might be facing. In some cases, a school counsellor may be able to speak to your teachers about the possibility of a lighter workload short term. Unless they have serious concerns for your health or welfare, a counsellor should always seek your permission before discussing anything that has been said in your sessions. 

If your school does not have a counsellor, speak to your GP about whether they can refer you for counselling. Alternatively, private therapy can be accessed. If you are in crisis, YSPI offers immediate access to counselling.

 3 A Tutor or Teaching Assistant

If study feels too much and you feel like you’re getting left behind, 1 to 1 tutoring or some small group lessons can be a game changer. Tutoring may be available through your school or college, or this may only be possible privately. Your school will be able to advise you.

4 Family and Friends

Although it can feel hard, try to be honest with those around you about your emotional and academic battles. Sometimes you just need a listening ear or pep talk from loved ones to help put things in perspective. If your parents understand that you’re struggling, they may be able to lighten your load at home by relieving you of chores or other responsibilities so you can focus on studying.

5 Charities

If you’re in crisis or need to talk to someone urgently, YSPI can help with counselling or the FreeText service. Free resources are available on our website to help you learn more about taking care of your mental health, and a full list of helplines and support groups is available at www.ineedhelp.ie.

 

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to take on everything alone. Asking for help ensures you get the support you need, and can help you develop coping mechanisms and will help you get back on track with your studies. This will help you feel more confident with everyday school pressures, as well as giving you strategies to cope with looming deadlines and exam periods.