Following A-level results day, parents are being warned about how to spot and help teens that are struggling coming to terms with their scores. While A-level results saw a general rise this year, with even top grades increasing and 82 per cent of applicants getting into their first-choice university, countless students are facing surprising results of the opposite kind.
Whether it’s living up to expectations from themselves, university requirements, measuring up to their peers, or familial pressures, a number of students are facing disappointment. Jessen James, a trained mental health and human behavior expert, has raised the alarm for parents urging them to recognise the “key warning signs that your teen might not be okay” and what parents can do to help.
James warned that some parents’ reactions at this pivotal time, even when they believe they’re helping, could create an “invalidating environment,” which he noticed as “one of the major triggers for the development of Borderline Personality Disorders” during his time as a psychiatric nurse.
Withdrawal from their social circle and activities is a major red flag that a teenager may be “struggling internally.” James explained that teens might not be able to recognize their internal struggles and that parents should look out for this behaviour and provide support.
Changes in sleep patterns, such as excessive sleeping, insomnia, and frequent nightmares, can be signs of anxiety and depression. Parents are advised to have gentle conversations with their teens about their emotions if they notice unusual tiredness or restlessness.
Unexplained physical symptoms like frequent headaches and stomach aches can be indicators of emotional distress, especially if these symptoms persist or are out of the norm for the child. Irritability and mood swings, common during high-stress times like results day, should also be noted by parents.
Loss of interest in future plans, perfectionism, and self-criticism are other warning signs parents should watch for. James emphasised the importance of avoiding comparisons between siblings, as this can unconsciously put pressure on the child.
Overall, having patient conversations focusing on the teen’s emotions and providing reassurance can help ease post-results day upset. Parents are cautioned against comparing their children, even if done with good intentions. James suggested that encouraging progress over perfection can support teens during this challenging time.