As South Africa’s Matric class enters the final stretch before year-end examinations, the pressure is mounting. Long study sessions, university applications, career decisions and the fear of disappointing family members can make this one of the most emotionally demanding periods in a young person’s life.
While academic success remains important, education experts say protecting mental health may be just as critical to achieving strong results.
According to Pertunia Nkomo-Mofokeng, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning at Rosebank International, maintaining perspective throughout the Matric year can help students navigate the challenges ahead while protecting their long-term wellbeing.
Why the Matric Year Feels So Overwhelming
For hundreds of thousands of learners every year, Matric is often viewed as the gateway to future opportunities. University admissions, career choices and personal ambitions can make the final year of high school feel like a defining moment.
“The pressure on our young people is tremendous, with long study hours, fear of failure, comparison with peers, and uncertainty about the future creating a perfect storm of anxiety and stress,” says Nkomo-Mofokeng.
She notes that the emotional impact extends beyond learners themselves, with many parents also experiencing anxiety as they support their children through this demanding period.
Mental Health Supports Academic Success
While students often believe that sacrificing sleep and rest will improve their performance, Nkomo-Mofokeng warns that chronic stress can have the opposite effect.
She explains that a healthy mind improves concentration, memory, problem-solving and resilience under pressure. Prolonged stress, however, can impair cognitive function, contribute to burnout and make manageable challenges feel overwhelming.
Students who neglect sleep, nutrition and emotional wellbeing may ultimately find their study efforts becoming less effective.
Rather than focusing solely on examination results, she encourages learners to remember that Matric represents one chapter of their lives—not the final measure of their value or future success.
Practical Advice for Matric Students
As the final examinations draw closer, Nkomo-Mofokeng encourages students to adopt consistent study habits instead of relying on last-minute cramming.
Creating a realistic study timetable and following it daily can reduce unnecessary stress while improving long-term retention of information.
Equally important is looking after physical health.
Students are encouraged to prioritise at least seven hours of sleep each night, maintain healthy sleep routines and avoid late-night scrolling or excessive screen time that may interfere with quality rest.
When stress becomes overwhelming, taking time to care for mental wellbeing can make a significant difference.
Simple techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, journaling, regular physical activity and limiting social media use can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Nkomo-Mofokeng also reminds learners that comparing themselves to others often creates unnecessary pressure.
“You are running your own race, not anyone else’s highlight reel.”
Most importantly, students should never hesitate to ask for help.
Speaking openly with teachers, school counsellors, mental health professionals or trusted family members can provide valuable support before stress becomes unmanageable.
Advice for Parents Supporting Their Matric Children
Parents also play a vital role in helping learners navigate the demands of Matric.
Nkomo-Mofokeng recommends creating a calm, supportive home environment where encouragement replaces criticism and children feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
Rather than attempting to solve every problem, parents should focus on listening with empathy and understanding.
She also encourages parents to monitor their child’s wellbeing by checking in on sleep, nutrition and emotional health without becoming overly controlling.
Regular family time, healthy routines and opportunities for relaxation can help learners maintain balance throughout the examination period.
Perhaps most importantly, parents should lead by example.
By managing their own stress calmly and demonstrating healthy coping strategies, they can show learners that success and wellbeing can go hand in hand.
Keeping Perspective During Matric
Although Matric remains an important milestone, Nkomo-Mofokeng believes students should remember that it is not the sole determinant of future success.
Consistent effort, healthy routines and emotional balance can help learners perform at their best while protecting their overall wellbeing.
As South Africa’s Class of 2026 prepares for the months ahead, the message is clear: work hard, care for your mental health, seek support when needed and remember that one year does not define an entire lifetime of opportunity.
