As matric learners across South Africa prepare to receive their final results next week, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is urging learners, parents and teachers to focus on emotional well-being during what can be one of the most stressful times of the year.
“For many young people, matric results feel like a judgement of their intelligence, ability and future. Pressure from family, teachers, peers, and social media can turn normal anxiety into feelings of hopelessness,” warns Sadag project manager for education, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha.
According to Roshni, each year, Sadag receives an increase in calls from learners and parents struggling to cope.
The organisation provides support before, during, and after results day through counselling, toll-free 24-hour helplines, and WhatsApp chat.”
They also offer a free Matric Results Online Toolkit at www.sadag.org with videos, articles, and brochures to guide learners in managing anxiety and exploring next steps.
Sadag encourages learners to:
• Prepare emotionally: Decide in advance who to talk to and where to be on results day
• Separate results from self-worth: Marks do not define your value
• Limit social media to reduce harmful comparisons
• Plan for different outcomes: Consider remarking, rewriting, or alternative education options
• Reach out early if anxiety feels overwhelming
Counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon added that for parents and teachers, the best support is saying ‘I’m here for you’.
“Celebrate effort, not just grades, and remind learners that anxiety is normal,” he said.
Sadag offers free, confidential, 24-hour support:
• Telephone: 0800 567 567
• WhatsApp Chat: 087 163 2030 (08:00 to 17:00)
• SMS “Help” to 31393 for a counsellor callback
Roshni concluded that there is always help and hope.
“Talk early, don’t wait for a crisis.”
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
