As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, South Africa is reminded that mental health is not a seasonal discussion but a daily commitment. For high school learners writing their exams, this time of year can feel like a storm of sleepless nights, self-doubt, and intense pressure. Preventing suicide among learners is not only about saving lives but also about creating the kind of supportive environment where young people can thrive.
Exams and Mental Health: A pressure point
Exams are often seen as make-or-break moments, and many learners internalise the belief that their worth and future depend solely on their results. This fuels stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, hopelessness. Healthy mental well-being, however, is the foundation of focus and strong performance.
Siboniso Malinga, Education and Mental Health Advocate, highlights the importance of changing how adults engage with learners during this stressful season:
“When learners are writing exams, they already face immense pressure. Parents and teachers should be pillars of encouragement, not sources of added stress,” says Malinga.
Parents and teachers as pillars of support
The role of parents and teachers is critical in how learners experience exam season. This is not the time for harsh comparisons or criticism but an opportunity to build confidence and show empathy. Learners need to know that their value is not measured by grades alone.
Parent Jabu Mkhize reflects on the responsibility families carry during this period,
“As parents, we must help our children with their studies and be present for them. Continuous encouragement makes a huge difference, reminding them that they are not alone in this journey.”
Malinga echoes this sentiment, stressing that support does not require complicated interventions but rather consistency and compassion,
“Being there for learners does not require complicated solutions. It requires empathy, listening, and assurance that their value goes beyond marks on a paper.”
Beyond September: Building a Culture of Care
Suicide prevention is not confined to a single month. It requires embedding care into everyday life at school, at home, and in communities. Teachers can create mental health check-ins, while families can normalize conversations about stress, failure, and resilience.
These actions ensure that learners are supported not just during exams but throughout their educational journey. As Malinga reminds us, every learner deserves more than academic success, they deserve compassion, safety, and the assurance that their lives truly matter.
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