Matric Exams: How to spot if your child is having suicidal thoughts

The matric class of 2023 is just three days away from sitting down for the start their final exams, drawing a close to their 12 year school journey. During this time, a learners stress levels are elevated as they consider their futures.

SEEING THE SIGNS

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While we all have different coping mechanism, for some learners it may become all too overwhelming and start having suicidal thoughts.

Clinical psychologist Sinqobile Elevia Aderinoye says suspecting that parents suspecting that their child may not be coping and possibly be having dark thoughts should look out for the following signs;

• Isolation from friends and family
• Problems eating or sleeping
• Mood swings
• Reckless behavior
• Dropping grades
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Giving away belongings
• Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped
• Talking about being a burden to others or not belonging
• Talking about suicide or wanting to die
• Writing or drawing about suicide or acting it out in play
• Change in hygiene and self care

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TIPS FOR MATRIC LEARNERS

Aderinoye has advised learners to open confide in someone they trust if it all becomes too overwhelming

“Talk to someone you trust if it becomes overwhelming, managing your expectations of self is quite important, keep in mind that exams have a beginning and an end”, she says.

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Learners have also been advised to not spend excessive amounts of time on distractions such as cellphones, tv games and television

“Do not use substances such as alcohol or drugs (marijuana included) as coping mechanisms. These substances tend to be effective in the short term and not the long term,” Aderinoye concludes.