Managing Academic pressure
Academic pressure is one of the main causes of stress among young people. Although this is not a new development, students today are under more pressure than ever to perform well in school starting at a younger age. However, young people can get right back on track with the right support.
Numerous research has been carried out on the effects of academic stress on mental health. According to studies, academic stress decreases well-being and increases the risk of developing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Academic stress and pressure can occasionally have a negative effect on how well students operate in class. This demonstrates how stress might prevent young people from performing at their best. There is a lot of help available if you’re concerned or uncertain.
When young people experience stress linked to school work they may disengage from the subject and fall behind with their studies. It may present as difficulties with concentration and attention, trouble sleeping, mood swings, changes in appetite, social problems such as relationship difficulties.
Research suggests a rise in perfectionism among students is connected with higher expectations and criticism, which can have negative mental health effects. Perfectionism contributes to many other psychological conditions including eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety, and depression.
Perfectionism is a tendency to set high standards that can either not be met, or can only be met with great difficulty. Perfectionists tend to believe that achieving anything short of perfection is a failure, and that even minor imperfections will lead to catastrophe – a stressful and unpleasant experience for children in particular.
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent and often overwhelming fear of social situations and is one of the most common anxiety disorders in children. It can manifest itself as an extreme form of shyness where the sufferer can experience fear and anxiety when undertaking everyday activities such as going out in public and speaking on the phone. People with social anxiety will worry about social activities before, during and after they take place which can become very distressing. They often fear they will do or say something wrong that will draw negative attention to themselves and this often has a serious effect on self-esteem and confidence.
Treatment for managing academic pressure
In most instances, our initial assessments will dictate that we recommend children undertake a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These sessions will help them learn strategies that will enable them to cope in situations which trigger anxiety and overcome their difficulties.
Alternatively, we may conclude that the specific difficulty they are experiencing may benefit from additional Psychological, Clinical or Occupational Therapy. Should this be the case, we will discuss our suggestions with the child’s parent/guardian and will not commence any therapy until they are comfortable with the decision.
Whichever therapy we provide, there is no doubt that it can be very helpful for children to talk to a professional who can understand their difficulties and can support them appropriately, allowing them to be more open and honest about their thoughts and feelings and learn how to overcome their difficulties.
Book an appointment
All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for Depression and a range of other conditions for both young people and adults. If you would like more information, please visit our FAQ’s page or if you have a question that is not listed please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
Take a Teen Academic self-assessment Quiz
Complete screening questionnaire and we will connect you with a therapist according to your needs and requirement criteria.
