NWNT · Updated
Ordinary nerves or something more?
The last row is urgent. Ask directly, stay with them, and in India call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
| Usually ordinary | Worth acting on |
|---|---|
| Butterflies before a paper that settle once it starts | Panic attacks, or blanking out on things they know |
| A few late nights in the final week | Weeks of poor sleep or waking very early |
| Skipping breakfast on exam day | Regularly skipping meals, or eating far more than usual |
| Snapping at siblings | Anger or tears most days |
| Wanting quiet to study | Avoiding friends and family altogether |
| Worrying about results | Saying they are useless, a burden, or better off gone |
What helps at home
- Protect sleep; a rested brain remembers more than a tired one that studied longer
- Regular meals and some movement every day, even a short walk
- Praise effort and steady work rather than marks and ranks
- Keep comparisons with cousins and neighbours' children out of the conversation
- Agree screen time together instead of policing it
- Watch your own worry; teenagers pick it up quickly
How to start the conversation
Pick a calm moment, not the evening a result comes out. Try an open question: "You have seemed tired lately. How are you finding things?" Then listen without fixing or lecturing. You might hear something you did not expect, such as trouble with friends or fear of letting you down. Tell them that struggling is common and that getting help is a sensible thing to do, not a sign of weakness.
Screening and counselling for students
The Stressometer has a version for students aged 13 and over. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes online and gives an Emotional Wellness Index report showing whether stress is in a healthy range, would benefit from a psychologist, or needs a clinical evaluation. Going through the report together often makes it easier to talk.
If a psychologist is suggested, sessions focus on CBT techniques and coping strategies: handling panic, planning revision, and challenging the thought that one exam decides a whole life. Where symptoms point to something more, a psychiatrist assesses as well. In India these are arranged through Dr. Vohra's Emotional Wellness Hub, online or in person in New Delhi, with a parent or guardian involved for students under 18. Schools, colleges and universities can also run NWNT student wellness programmes for whole year groups.
When it is urgent
Talk of suicide or self-harm, not eating or sleeping for days, or behaviour that frightens you needs help today, not after exams. Stay with your child, remove anything they could use to hurt themselves, and call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112. NWNT is not an emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
- Should my child skip an exam because of stress?
- Decide with the school and, where one is involved, the psychologist or psychiatrist. One exam can usually be taken again; your child's health comes first.
- Can my teenager take the Stressometer on their own?
- The student version is designed for ages 13 and over, so yes. Many families find it helps to read the report together afterwards.
- What should I do in an emergency?
- NWNT is not an emergency service. In India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, round the clock) or 112. Outside India, call your local emergency number straight away.