Sadag launches online support groups ahead of matric results release
They say the future belongs to those who prepare for it but that doesn’t always come easy. Sadag is offering tips for matriculants who are eagerly awaiting their final results.
Completing a 12-year school career should be cause for celebration but for some matriculants, awaiting their matric results may induce anxiety and even lead to suicide.
Be it due to the fear of disappointing family, not achieving the results needed for their tertiary institution of choice, or failing despite hours of study, students and parents can find the road to the release of matric results overwhelming.
The South African Anxiety and Depression Group (Sadag) has launched a series of online support group sessions ahead of the release of IEB school results on Monday, January 13, to help students navigate any mental health challenges brought on by the release.
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The first event, themed: ‘Ask the Expert: Overcoming Anxiety Around Matric Results’, was hosted on Friday, January 10, at 13:00 on Facebook LIVE where counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon gave students practical tips on maintaining calm during this period.
The second session will be an Instagram LIVE 12:00 session on Monday, January 13, in which NSC school students will be given support as they prepare to receive their results on Wednesday morning, January 15.
The third session will take place at 12:00 on Instagram on Wednesday, January 15. According to Sadag, students will be given tips on planning for their futures post matric. The final session will be hosted on Zoom at 18:00 on Wednesday, January 15. Students will have an opportunity to connect with other matriculants and share their thoughts in a safe space.
Also read: Teens have the highest suicide risk
Sadag cautions caregivers to be mindful as their children await their matric results as criticism will only increase anxiety and worsen feelings of loneliness. Parents are instead encouraged to be supportive and nurturing during this emotionally-charged time.
“If things didn’t go as planned, don’t sweat it – this isn’t the end. Learn from it, bounce back, and keep pushing forward. This is just one chapter in your story – there’s so much more to come,” said Sadag board vice chairperson and clinical psychologist Zamo Mbele.
Students and parents who feel overwhelmed can contact Sadag’s toll-free helpline at 0800 567 567 or reach out to the Cipla Mental Health Helpline at 0800 456 789.
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