With year-end exams approaching, the City of Cape Town is reminding learners that some of its clinics provide essential mental health services. This is to help learners manage stress and anxiety during this critical period.
The City says trained staff are available to screen for and manage common mental health issues. Three clinical psychologists are also available at 15 facilities across the metropole.
- Albow Gardens
- Bloekombos
- Delft South
- Dr Ivan Toms
- Fish Hoek
- Gugulethu
- Ikhwezi
- Kuyasa
- Langa
- Masiphumelele
- Matthew Goniwe
- Muizenberg
- Phumlani
- Wallacedene
Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Patricia Van Der Ross, highlights that stress is not age-specific and calls on families to support their children both mentally and physically during this challenging time.
She listed a number of ways in which those close to matric learners can assist them in the build up to the exams.
At the same time, van der Ross encouraged parents to set realistic goals, offer emotional support, and validate their child’s efforts, regardless of the outcome.
“The weight of expectation can also place undue pressure on learners, so let’s be mindful of our child’s capabilities, and emphasise doing their best instead of demanding perfect scores.”
She further encouraged learned to take some time away from the study notes as well, to reduce the possibility of burnout.
“While it is important to study and prepare adequately for the exams, there needs to be a balance, and breaks should be encouraged too.”
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