Understand what you’re feeling
What is exam anxiety?
Exam anxiety is a strong feeling of worry, fear or stress connected with tests, revision or academic performance. A small amount of stress can sometimes help us focus, but anxiety becomes a problem when it feels overwhelming or gets in the way of everyday life.
Common emotional signs
- Feeling panicky, frightened or overwhelmed
- Constant thoughts about failing or disappointing people
- Irritability, tearfulness or feeling on edge
- Avoiding revision, school or conversations about exams
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
Common physical signs
- Racing heart or fast breathing
- Sweating, shaking or feeling hot
- Nausea, stomach aches or headaches
- Muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted
When to ask for help
You do not need to wait until things are unbearable.
Talk to a trusted adult, school counsellor, GP or mental-health professional if anxiety is intense, continues for a long time, stops you attending school or exams, affects eating or sleep, or makes daily life hard to manage.
See support options!
If you are in immediate danger
Call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, NHS 111 can direct you to appropriate urgent support in England.