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Looking after exam-year teens: stress signs and how to help

Mental Health Awareness Week falls in May, in the middle of exam season. The signs of stress to watch for, and simple, NHS-backed ways to help.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

Mental Health Awareness Week is held every May, and in 2027 it falls in the middle of the GCSE and A-level exams. It is a good moment to check in with the teenagers in your house, not just about revision, but about how they are feeling.

2. How common it is

NHS England’s 2023 survey found that 20.3% of 8 to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder. For 17 to 19-year-olds, the age of many A-level students, it was 23.3%. That is roughly one in five young people.[1]

Age group (England, 2023)
Probable mental disorder
8 to 16
20.3%
17 to 19
23.3%
20 to 25
21.7%

A probable disorder is not a diagnosis: The survey uses questionnaires to estimate how many young people are likely to have a disorder. Only a professional can diagnose one.

3. Signs of stress to watch for

The NHS lists signs that a child may be struggling with stress.[2]

Worry

Worrying a lot, or feeling tense.

Body

Headaches and stomach pains.

Sleep and food

Not sleeping well, losing interest in food or eating more than usual.

Mood

Being irritable or low, losing interest in things they used to enjoy, or feeling hopeless about the future.

4. How you can help

Encourage your child to talk, to you or to a member of school staff they trust. Support from a parent, tutor or study buddy can help young people share worries and keep things in perspective.[2]

Remind them that exam season is temporary, and that a disappointing result is not the end: many exams can be retaken. Good food helps too. Some parents find that high-sugar, high-caffeine snacks make children more irritable, so keep healthy snacks to hand.[2]

Grades matter. So do they.

5. When to get more help

If your child’s anxiety or low mood is severe, lasts, and gets in the way of everyday life, the NHS says to get help. Speaking to a GP is a good first step, and you can also talk to your child’s teachers.[2]

Steady support in exam season: Our qualified teachers help students feel prepared, one topic at a time, which can take some of the pressure off. Online or in person. Book a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. What share of 17 to 19-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023?

  2. 2. Name two signs of exam stress.

  3. 3. When should you see a GP?

Your next steps

  • Ask one open question this week about how they are feeling, not about revision.
  • Find out who at school your child can talk to.
  • Stock up on healthy snacks for the exam weeks.

Sources

  1. NHS England (November 2023). One in five children and young people had a probable mental disorder in 2023. england.nhs.uk/2023/11/one-in-five-children-and-young-people-had-a-probable-mental-disorder-in-2023
  2. NHS. Help your child beat exam stress. nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.