Unveiling the Student Mental Health Crisis

The Psychological Impact of Exam-Related Stress on Students

In today’s highly competitive and image-conscious society, academic performance is deeply intertwined with self-worth, family honor, and future security. This intense pressure can lead to significant emotional and psychological strain, particularly among young people who often face mental health challenges in silence during what should be a supportive learning environment.

Sabina Giri, the founding psychologist of The Healer Nepal, has explored the psychological effects of exam-related stress on students. With an educational background in MA Clinical Psychology and Postgraduate School Counselling, she highlights how untreated emotional distress can hinder both academic success and personal growth.

Common Pressures During Exam Season

During exam season, students are often subjected to multiple pressures that can significantly impact their mental health. Academically, the expectation to perform well, meet high standards, and secure future opportunities can create feelings of stress and self-doubt. Socially, comparisons with peers and the fear of judgment can increase anxiety and a sense of inadequacy. Additionally, familial expectations—whether explicitly stated or implied—add another layer of emotional strain.

These pressures rarely act in isolation; they often combine to create a heavy emotional load. This can result in burnout, sleep disturbances, and lowered self-esteem. Psychologically, this multi-directional stress can trigger or worsen mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Cultural and Societal Expectations in Nepal

In Nepal, cultural and societal expectations play a significant role in shaping students’ anxiety and stress, especially during high-stakes exams like the SEE (School Leaving Examination). Academic achievement is closely linked to family pride, social status, and perceived future success. Professions such as medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy, and law are often seen as the ultimate markers of success, and students may be pushed toward these paths from a very young age, regardless of their interests or abilities.

Those who struggle or fail to gain admission into these fields are frequently labeled as failures, leading to questions about their self-worth. In extreme cases, the inability to meet these expectations has led to severe mental health issues, including depression and even suicide. Reports of students taking their own lives after failing exams have become increasingly common, reflecting the unbearable pressure they face.

This pressure extends beyond the individual, affecting families and creating feelings of shame, disappointment, and unspoken trauma. It can also influence how the next generation is raised, perpetuating a cycle of stress and anxiety.

Overlooked Signs of Exam-Related Anxiety

There are several less obvious psychological and behavioral signs that may indicate a student is struggling with exam-related anxiety. These include subtle changes in daily habits, such as increased irritability, social withdrawal, or a sudden disinterest in previously enjoyed activities. Students may also exhibit perfectionistic tendencies, spending excessive time on minor details or redoing tasks unnecessarily.

Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping excessively, are common but often overlooked. Physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without a medical cause can also be stress-related. Procrastination or avoidance of studying might appear as laziness, but it can actually stem from a fear of failure. A decline in confidence, frequent self-criticism, or a superficially cheerful demeanor masking internal distress are other signs that should not be ignored.

Effectiveness of Current Support Systems

Counselling services, peer support, and family involvement have started to address students’ mental health challenges during exams, particularly in urban areas. However, their effectiveness is limited by factors such as societal stigma, lack of awareness, and inconsistent support. In cities, access to school or private counselling has improved, but many students still hesitate to seek help due to fears of being judged or labelled.

Even when students do reach out for help, stigma can prevent them from continuing therapy. Some drop out after just a few sessions, fearing what others, especially family members, might say. Peer support, while comforting, is not always helpful, as peers may also be struggling and offering harmful advice.

Family involvement can sometimes add to the pressure rather than alleviate it. For many parents, academic success is the primary measure of worth, and emotional support or open communication is often lacking. This dynamic can create a toxic environment where students feel unsupported and misunderstood.

Long-Term Impacts and Preventive Measures

Sustained exam pressure can have serious long-term impacts on young people’s mental wellbeing. Chronic academic stress during formative years can lead to persistent anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, sleep disturbances, and emotional burnout. Over time, students may develop an unhealthy association between self-worth and performance, resulting in a lifelong fear of failure and perfectionism.

Preventive measures must begin early and involve a comprehensive approach. From an early age, exams should not be seen as a burden or a measure of familial pride. Instead, the focus should be on each student’s individual needs and strengths. Families and parents should start by loving and listening to their children, understanding their unique challenges and abilities.

Integrating mental health education into the school curriculum is essential, along with teaching students how to manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed. Schools should have trained counsellors and emphasize emotional intelligence and social skills alongside academics and extracurricular activities.

Parental awareness is equally crucial. Families must shift their focus from results to effort, growth, and emotional well-being. By fostering a supportive environment, students can learn to navigate academic pressures without compromising their mental health.