As students prepare for year-end examinations, prioritising mental well-being can be just as important as revising for the next test
As the academic year draws to a close, students across South Africa are entering one of the most demanding periods of the academic calendar. With final examinations approaching, assignment deadlines looming and pressure mounting to achieve good results, the temptation to push through exhaustion can be difficult to resist.
However, while determination and discipline are essential for academic success, students should not have to sacrifice their mental health to finish the year strong. Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in October in South Africa, provides an opportunity to reflect on the pressures students face and the importance of recognising when stress begins to affect their well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental disorders affect an estimated 11% of people in the African Region. In South Africa, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has highlighted the serious impact of mental health challenges, including suicide. These concerns reinforce the need for greater awareness, early intervention and accessible support.
For students, the examination period can bring anxiety about results, fear of failure, financial pressures and uncertainty about the future. While some stress can motivate preparation, prolonged or overwhelming stress can affect concentration, sleep, motivation and the ability to retain information. Pertunia Nkomo-Mofokeng, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning at Rosebank International, says students should recognise that looking after themselves is part of the learning process, not a distraction from it.
“Students often feel that they must give everything they have during the final stretch of the academic year, even when they are physically and emotionally exhausted. But success is not simply about how many hours you spend studying. It is also about how effectively you learn, how you manage pressure and whether you give yourself the opportunity to rest and recover,” says Nkomo-Mofokeng.
She encourages students to approach examinations with a realistic plan rather than relying on last-minute cramming or sacrificing sleep to cover more material. Breaking revision into manageable sessions, prioritising subjects according to need and using a study timetable can help make the workload feel less overwhelming. Taking regular breaks, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and maintaining a consistent sleep routine can also support concentration and emotional well-being.
Equally important is recognising that students do not have to navigate academic pressure alone. Speaking to a trusted friend, family member, lecturer or student support professional can provide perspective and help students identify appropriate assistance when they are struggling. “Students should not measure their worth by a single examination result. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and taking a break does not mean you lack commitment. It means you understand that your well-being matters. We want students to finish the year knowing that their health and their future are both worth protecting,” Nkomo-Mofokeng adds.
Rosebank International supports student well-being through student wellness campaigns, campus health days and psychological support services across its campuses. As students make their final push towards examinations, the message is clear: preparation matters, but so does balance. Recognising the signs of burnout, making time to rest and seeking support when needed can help students approach the examination period with greater confidence.
Finishing the year strong should mean more than achieving academic results. It should also mean reaching the end of the year with the tools, resilience and support needed to move forward.
