It’s not unusual to feel a bit stressed as it comes up to exam time. This can be a good thing sometimes as it motivates us to study.
For some of us though, exam stress can really interfere with our day-to-day lives and hinder work and concentration levels.
Covid-19 brought about many changes for everyone. Students, in particular, were heavily impacted by the closure of schools and colleges, and this hasn’t helped the last few years.
Uncertainty around exams and missing out on experiences has left many young people feeling frustrated. Many students can find themselves procrastinating or losing sight of their end goals.
Take comfort in knowing that learning how to self-direct your study is a skill for life.
Below, find a helpful conversation between Evelyn O’Rourke from RTÉ Radio 1 Drive Time’s Study Hub and Jen Trzeciak, eMental Health Manager at Jigsaw, about ways for students to stay motivated to study in a time of uncertainty around exams and school.
Here are some more strategies to help you stay motivated when studying from home:
It’s the start of a new month and with that comes the latest instalment of the rolling gallery. This month Jigsaw Dublin City volunteers collaborated with international artist David Uda, who generously gave his time and creativity to bring the piece to life.
Every month, Jigsaw Dublin City volunteers have used the windows of the service to spread a message of positivity. Last month’s display paid tribute to all the awe inspiring women in our lives for International Women’s Day. In February, we were reminded that even when you’re down, there are people who love you and are looking out for you.
How can I deal with depressive thoughts after a friends suicide?
Mollyanne
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I imagine you’re going through a tough time right now. Thank you for reaching out.
Too often in Jigsaw we hear from young people about the negative impact racism has on their mental health.
We need to send a clear message that racism and hate have no place in our communities. That’s why Jigsaw is joining more than 90 charities and organisations from across Ireland in supporting the Irish Network Against Racism’s #LoveNotHate campaign.
The campaign calls for the government to enact hate crime legislation immediately, to offer the best protection to people from affected groups in Ireland.
Results of our recent survey revealed that less than half (45.5%) of the staff in Ireland’s schools felt confident about responding to a young person with mental health difficulties.
The survey also showed over a quarter (25.5 %) reported providing regular ongoing support to a student experiencing mental health difficulties.
We are delighted by the support for the opening of our Jigsaw service in Tipperary. The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted progress.
As an organisation, supporting young people’s mental health is central to everything we do. We remain absolutely committed to bringing our service to young people and the community as quickly as possible. Here are some updates on the current status of the project.
March’s rolling gallery wishes a Happy International Women’s Day to all the awe inspiring women in our lives.
Each month, Jigsaw Dublin City volunteers spread a message of positivity using the windows of the service. In January, we received the welcomed reminder we will see better days. To mark Valentine’s day, the volunteers shared a positive and inclusive message that even when you’re down, there are people who love you and are looking out for you.
For this month’s instalment of the rolling gallery, we’re getting two messages for the price of one.
To mark Eating Disorder’s Week 2021, Clinicians and Youth Advisory Panel from our Jigsaw service in Donegal have joined forces to bring you tips for healthy eating habits.
When you have a lot on your plate, it can mean that you feel like you have a lot on your mind. Common concerns that young people would come to our Jigsaw services about are worrying about school, relationships, exams or finances.
Over the years, young people’s routines and eating habits have changed significantly. Some people may notice their eating habits change when they feel anxious or overwhelmed. For Eating Disorder’s Week 2021, we are focusing on Jigsaw’s 5 a day for mental health and how it can relate to the promotion of healthy eating habits.
Why does every little thing make me burst into tears and start overthinking and finding more reasons to keep crying and not being able to stop.
-Nanabana
Hi Nanabanan,
I’m sorry to hear that every little thing is making you burst into tears. That sounds difficult, so thank you for reaching out to us. We hear from lots of young people who experience similar things, so I know your question will help others, too!
