Exam Results Day: Navigating Teen Mental Health With Hope and Resilience

For thousands of teenagers, results day is one of the most highly anticipated – and often most stressful – days of the year. Months of hard work and pressure come to a head, and emotions can run high. For parents, carers, and professionals who support young people, this is an important moment to be mindful of the mental health impacts – both positive and challenging.

Exam results day is a landmark moment—brimming with anticipation, pride, anxiety, and sometimes disappointment. It’s a day that can significantly impact a teenager’s mental well-being—but it can also mark the start of a new, hopeful journey. Here’s how to honour both emotions—and empower young people to thrive, no matter what their results say.

Exam Stress by the Numbers: Why Mental Health Matters

• A stark 85% of UK students report experiencing exam anxiety, with a third describing that anxiety as a constant presence—yet 71% suffer in silence, without seeking support Education Today.

• Among 15–18-year-olds preparing for GCSEs and A-Levels: 63% struggled to cope, including 15% who stopped attending school, 13% who had suicidal thoughts, 13% who self-harmed, 56% who had trouble sleeping, and ¼ experienced panic attacks YoungMinds.

• A survey found 79% of young people said exams had a negative impact on their mental health, with 80% experiencing panic before exams and 65% seeing strain in family relationships The Star.

• Educators report widespread concern: 77% of school leaders observed mental health issues linked to exam anxiety, 65% of students missed class, and 28% were even withdrawn from GCSEs due to anxiety The Standard.

• Teachers also believe 91% of students worry too much that their exam results will determine their future, and 51% think social media exacerbates this pressure NSPCC.

Stories of Resilience: When Results Don’t Define the Future

While accepting that disappointing results can feel devastating, it’s important to remember that they don't determine paths to success. These powerful stories remind us gaining great exam results is just one route to the careers we want:

• Aoife Comerford, after failing two Leaving Certificate subjects due to illness, joined an access programme, excelled at TU Dublin in Culinary Arts, and today works at a Michelin-starred restaurant—proof that setbacks can lead to unexpected, rewarding outcomes The Sun.

• A recent triumph: a young tech enthusiast who failed the UPSC exam pivoted immediately—launching a startup and gaining admission to IIT Bombay through GATE within days. He parlayed this momentum into his first business profit The Economic Times.

• From discussions on Reddit: “I got a D in Physics. … Now, I’m studying it as a degree… I hope you take my experience and feel just a little bit more able to fight back.” Reddit “About to finish my PhD in astrophysics… I got four sh*tty GCSEs… I was WAY more stressed at 16 than I am at 34… You have time, … you’ve got a thousand paths ahead of you…” Reddit “Failed first year of uni… Came back… now averaging top marks… overall I averaged 78%… now graduating with a first class!” Reddit

Congratulations to every student who achieved the results they aspired to—your resilience and commitment deserve celebration. But for those facing disappointment, remember: exam results are not destiny. Many educational and vocational paths lead to meaningful and successful lives.

Practical Next Steps: For Students, Parents & Carers

For Students:

• Allow yourself time to process—dismissal, grief or relief is all valid. Emotions today don’t define tomorrow.

• Explore alternative pathways like clearing, vocational courses, apprenticeships, or repeat exams.

• Tap into support networks—talk to friends, trusted adults, or organisations like Childline or YoungMinds.

• Use mindful strategies: consistent breaks, physical activity, and breathing techniques can counter stress (e.g., Pomodoro method, mindfulness practices) mattersofthemind.uk.com.

• Embrace the stories of others—many succeeded through non-linear paths, as seen above.

For Parents & Carers:

• Listen attentively and validate emotions—acknowledge the hard work behind every result.

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes—68% of parents do so regardless of performance The Sun.

• Stay open and supportive, especially in the weeks following results day, when decisions continue to unfold.

• Help research and navigate options—clearing routes, foundation years, apprenticeships, or vocational alternatives.

• Encourage healthy routines—adequate sleep, nutritious food, movement, and downtime support recovery.

• Be alert to serious signs—if self-harm or suicidal thoughts arise, seek immediate professional support. Services like Childline and YoungMinds are available to help.

In Summary

Exam results are a milestone, not a verdict on the future. This moment—whether elating or challenging—can become a turning point, a chance to build resilience and compassion.

Amid anxiety or joy, remind young people: there’s more than one path to success, and they are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve.

Together, let’s help teens feel seen, supported, and hopeful as they navigate the coming weeks.

Dave

As a postscript to the above, I have produced a number of free resources, including a collection of podcasts under the Sunday Settler banner: https://www.sundaysettler.com/podcasts/ - a couple of these may be helpful in understanding the role thoughts have in our experience of life, especially stress linked to life events - look for the collaborations with Dicken Bettinger and David Key.