How to handle a failed matric

The South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) have given some tips on how to handle a failed matric:

1. Acknowledge your failures – don’t fear them

We can learn a lot on the path to success. Even failing a course at university or redoing matric is a way to learn about yourself and ways to achieve success.

SADAG’s Dessy Tzoneva said sometimes to know what is right, you need to know what is wrong.

“No one is going to look critically on you because once upon a time you did not pass,” said Tzoneva.

2. See it as a learning curve

If you fail or are disappointed in your results, find out why and take the advice and guidance you get from teachers and peers.

You might not be doing the right subjects or course and simply need to change to succeed.

3. Always believe in yourself

No one is perfect. There is always room for improvement. People have achieved incredible things because they never gave up on themselves and learnt from every experience they had. Needing help and not asking for it is the only big mistake you will make.

A word of caution from SADAG: get results from the school and speak to the school principal, teachers or counsellor about the possibility of writing a supplementary exam, applying for a remark, moving to an FET college or enrolling in a bridging course at a university.

SADAG runs a counselling helpline that is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Concerned parents, teachers or peers can contact a counsellor toll-free on 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 31393.

SANDAG emergency numbers

Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line
0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
0800 70 80 90

Destiny Helpline for Youth and Students
0800 41 42 43

ADHD Helpline
0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312

Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567

SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837

Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787