Help is available (for matriculants)

SOUTH CAPE NEWS - If you have a child writing matric exams during this period, it is important that you take note of any changes in your child's behaviour.

Stress, anxiety and mental illness may become pronounced during this time.

There is a wide variety of public healthcare professionals, including counsellors, nursing practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, general practitioners and psychiatrists that are readily available to help at any given time.

Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo wishes all matriculants well as they begin writing exams.

"I remember how tough it was for me writing exams. There was a lot of pressure to do well and move to the next level. Feeling anxious during this period is normal and there is nothing To be ashamed of."

It is that pressure that leads to anxiety, depression and excessive use of alcohol for some children.

"The matriculants need to remember that these are feelings that can be managed by professionals," added Mbombo.

Common symptoms include:

Problems sleeping at night.
Feeling as if you have lost interest in your usual activities.
Feeling sad or unhappy for extended periods and being unable to recover on your own.
Feeling scared or frightened for an extended period without a reasonable explanation for this.
Noticing that you are drinking too much alcohol, using drugs recently or having somebody suggest this.

Should your child experience any of the above symptoms, help can be obtained through your local clinic or general practitioner who will be able to recommend specialists.

Numbers to call when you need help: