Coping with the monumental stresses that matric results can bring

The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), which is at the forefront of higher education in applied psychology in SA, comments that many school leavers may be facing an emotional overload with the upcoming announcement of matric results, and talking through this stressful episode is the greatest form of coping.

If results are poor, for many it represents a lost opportunity.

For those who pass, and even excel, it could trigger the anxiety of sustaining an education or the possibility of not being gainfully employed.

It's not just a matter of passing or failing

The stresses that matrics face go beyond passing and failing, explains Dr Gordon Isaacs, who lectures at SACAP in Crisis and Trauma Counselling. They may feel the pressure of competitiveness, the worry of disappointing family and bursars or a sense of doom should they fail. He notes it is also linked to adolescent development, where youngsters often believe they are immortal and nothing bad can happen to them.

SACAP mental health issues educator, Janine Taylor, a counselling psychologist in private practice in Cape Town, adds that uncertainty about what to do next year, saying goodbye to friends and other close relationships, struggling with new-found freedoms and navigating greater independence, as well as experimenting with substances and peer pressure are all issues which can surface around the announcement of exam results.

Dr Isaacs notes that any matric learner anticipating results can be impacted by this stress. "It is not unusual for a student who has received six distinctions in a preliminary exam to feel heightened stress, and even suicidal, if they only receive four distinctions on their final report card."

"Every person responds uniquely to the meaning of the event for them. It isn't necessarily the event itself that is stressful," explains Dr Isaacs. "A student may fail a final exam. The failure may not be as critical as the student's internal dialogue, which includes financial distress and the possibility of not being employed."

Poor results may mean stress... or not

Receiving poor results, or inadequate marks to facilitate a specific course of tertiary study, may be a huge stress for some, and for others merely disappointing. "Their inner resilience and family community support will hold some, for others it may even be a relief as they desire to follow another vocation."

Stress is often healthy - and is known as eustress. It often propels us into action. However, compounded stress, without understanding its cause, can lead to fatigue and symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion can set in, leaving the person feeling empty and fearful.

Dr Isaacs offers parents and peers a number of danger signs to watch out for: moodiness, irritability, sudden changes in behaviour, self-imposed isolation, a change in sleep patterns and appetite, taking more risks that seem out of character and even physical complaints such as tension headaches, body pains and nausea. Self medicating with alcohol or drugs might also become evident.

When these signs are present, Dr Isaacs emphasises that talking about it is the best way to get through it.

"Encourage the person to speak to someone, and even encourage significant others like family, friends and the community to have a joint counselling session," says Dr Isaacs. "This can help to normalise the process, psycho-educate and assess for underlying concerns - often hidden under the word 'stress'."

Qualified counsellors can make a valuable and positive contribution to school leavers who feel overwhelmed about exam results or their futures.

Stress management and adolescent development are two areas covered in SACAP's innovative syllabus, which boosts counselling, coaching and facilitation skills to positively impact society.

A 'huge' need

"There is a huge need for skilled counsellors and practitioners across the socio-economic spectrum in our dislocated and traumatised society," says Lance Katz, managing director of SACAP. Assisting school leavers through the challenges they face is only one example of many needs.

SA has a formal mental health hierarchy for the emotional and mental health needs of our population of over 50 million. However, statistics gathered in 2010 (med. pages and allied stats) show that, in addition to psychiatric nurses and social workers, there are only just over 600 psychiatrists and a mere 4700 psychologists in SA i.e. less than 1 psychologist for every 10 000 citizens. This compares unfavourably with countries like Australia which has 6 times as many psychologists for a population less than half the size.
Mental health is very clearly underserved, and presents excellent career opportunities in South Africa ranging from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to the fields of addictions and HIV, and also in organisations that have wellness programmes.

SACAP provides accredited qualifications in the field of Applied Psychology, which is concerned with how people interact with each other and with the community as a whole, what motivates people's actions, and how to deal with individuals in a group or professional setting.

A 'great option'

"SACAP is a great option for school leavers wishing to work in the fields of applied psychology and counselling, even those who have not yet secured a position to study further," says Katz. SACAP's next intake is open until 13 January 2012 and it offers various qualifications for all matriculants from those who achieve a pass, to those who achieve a Bachelor certificate.

Dr Isaacs explains that the SACAP programme embraces the person, not just their marks.

A fully-accredited SACAP education offers a flexible approach to experiential, theoretical and practical learning, using quality curriculum materials, delivered in a small group environment by industry experts and academics. SACAP is a fully accredited higher education institution and is open to matriculants, mature and post-graduate students.

SACAP offers a Diploma in Counselling and Communication with specialisations in counselling, coaching or facilitation, as well as a Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills - an entry-level qualification to develop foundational knowledge and skills. All are offered at both its Cape Town and Johannesburg campuses. SACAP is also planning to introduce the flagship, Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling) degree during 2012.

Feeling stressed, disappointed - talk

Importantly, the SACAP Fieldwork programme is an integral part of its counselling qualifications. SACAP has established relationships with over 100 organisations in the field nationally, providing a variety of options for students' Fieldwork placements. This interactive, experiential approach to learning provides a win-win solution: students acquire hands-on skills and gain practical experience in a variety of organisations, while the community benefits from their voluntary services.

Amongst the organisations benefiting from SACAP's Fieldwork partnerships are LifeLine WC and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. Both offer anonymous, confidential help lines.

"If you feel overwhelmed by the consequences of your matric results or your future, and you don't feel you can speak to a friend, family member of someone from your community, please call them or anyone you feel you can trust. There is no need to feel ashamed or helpless," says Katz.

For more information go to:

LifeLine WC (www.lifelinewc.org.za) helpline 086 132 2322

South African Anxiety and Depression Group (www.sadag.org) toll-free helpline 0800 567 567.

The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), (www.sacap.edu.za), 0860 77 11 11 or email az.ude.pacas@ofni