On March 9, during the graduation exam, several students experienced health deterioration due to high stress.
It is reported that some applicants lost consciousness due to the tension of the exam and required medical intervention. It is noted that one of these cases involved a female student who also lost consciousness during the exam.
According to her parent, the student was not herself during the exam and stated that she did not remember what she had written. It is emphasized that such acute stress reactions can directly negatively impact exam results.
It is interesting to consider what practical steps students should take to calm themselves down quickly when a similar situation arises before or during an exam?
Psychologist Nizami Orucov spoke to AzEdu.az on the topic.
The psychologist noted that it is important for students to move away from thoughts like 'what will be the result of the exam?' and focus solely on the upcoming questions:
"Unfortunately, such cases are not rare before exams. Students live with high expectations and a sense of responsibility during a long preparation process, and as the exam approaches, their stress level sharply increases. This tension can sometimes manifest with physical reactions such as increased heart rate, dizziness, trembling, and even loss of consciousness. This is often the result of strong panic and emotional overload.
When such a situation arises before or during an exam, the most important step for a student is to regulate their breathing and attention. Taking several slow and deep breaths, holding the breath for a short period, and then releasing it can reduce p tension. At the same time, it is important to shift attention away from thoughts like 'what will be the result of the exam?' and focus solely on the upcoming questions. Sometimes, closing one's eyes for 1–2 minutes to calm down and then starting the questions significantly reduces panic. Additionally, getting enough sleep in the hours leading up to the exam, avoiding heavy information overload, and refraining from comparing oneself to others also help reduce stress".
The presence of psychologists in exam buildings is essential; because a student's emotional stability affects the outcome as much as their knowledge level:
"From the perspective of preventing such incidents, the presence of psychologists in exam buildings can be very beneficial. A psychologist should not only be someone who intervenes when a problem arises but also a specialist who provides preventive support. Conducting brief psychological conversations with students arriving for the exam, calming those experiencing panic, and applying breathing and attention techniques can help stabilize their condition. Sometimes, even a few minutes of psychological support allows a student to compose themselves and start the exam more comfortably.
Overall, it is important to accept that an exam is not only an academic but also a psychological process. A student's emotional stability affects the outcome as much as their knowledge level. For this reason, strengthening psychological support mechanisms in the education system is very important".
Psychologist Gülnar Orucova also commented on the topic to AzEdu.az.
Psychological support should not be left until the last minute. School psychologists should gather 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students and provide them with moral support in advance to prevent potential tensions:
"In recent times, parents bring their children who are preparing for university entrance exams to a psychologist only when the situation reaches its peak. The moment a child says: 'I don't know anything, when I open the notebook, I can't see anything,' is actually the highest point of stress.
However, this support should not be left until the last minute. Schools can organize such services in advance for 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students. School psychologists should gather the students who will take exams, provide them with preventive advice, and offer moral support to prevent potential tensions.
If the school psychologist does not perform this work, parents should take the initiative themselves. Free psychological services are available in state institutions, for example, at the Mental Health Center and polyclinics. Parents can take their children to such centers and receive support without a financial burden. Unfortunately, parents often seek help only when physical symptoms such as trembling hands, sweating, anxiety, vomiting, or acute digestive problems manifest in the child. This is already the stage where psychological tension has transferred to behavior and physical health".
School teachers should not engage in private tutoring but should dedicate all their energy to teaching the curriculum. If this division exists, parents would not spend additional funds, and children would not be crushed under the pressure of 'money has been spent':
"The exam has its official rules: if an applicant leaves the exam, they are not allowed back, regardless of their condition. These rules are equal for everyone and must be respected. Therefore, parents should be more vigilant, foresee problems, and prevent them in advance. Personally, I often announce free seminars for applicants, but I see little interest. People have a misconception that if it's free, it's not quality. However, taking advantage of these opportunities is very important.
Parental support plays a decisive role in an applicant's success. Our parents, however, often threaten their children, pressuring them with sentences like: 'What will happen if you don't get into university?', 'We've spent so much money on you, we've paid for tutors'.
I would very much like a system similar to Turkey's to be implemented in our country: teachers who teach in secondary schools should not engage in private tutoring, but should direct all their energy to teaching the curriculum at school. At the same time, individuals engaged in private tutoring (dershane teachers) should not work in state schools. If this division exists, parents would not spend large sums on additional preparations, and children would not experience stress and trauma under the pressure of 'money has been spent'. This would also help prevent suicide cases among young people".
You should stop studying two days before the exam. Because studying until the last minute does not lead to success, but rather to excessive brain fatigue:
"Generally, I have some recommendations for applicants regarding exam day. As the exam approaches, many young people become anxious, saying, 'When I open the paper, I'll feel like I don't know anything,' or 'Tomorrow is the exam, but it's as if I haven't studied anything.' This is a completely normal and natural psychological reaction given by the brain before stress.
To minimize this situation, first and foremost, you should stop studying two days before the exam. Because studying until the last minute does not lead to success, but rather to excessive brain fatigue and a weakening of the result. It is important to plan the study process correctly: after every three hours of reading, a half-hour break must be taken. It is advisable to spend your free time not with your phone, but with other activities that interest you; staying away from the phone as much as possible is very important for mental peace. At the same time, you should pay special attention to your sleep regimen and nutrition.
Although serotonin (the happiness hormone) increases in some people due to the influence of solar energy before spring, others may feel lethargic and depressed due to vitamin deficiency or changes in weather. During this period, you should maintain your sleep regimen (8 hours daily), avoid "fast-food" and heavy carbohydrates, and consume more fruits, vegetables, and natural foods.
Communication with your parents is also part of success. Gain their trust by telling them, "No matter what happens, I am confident I will succeed." When they, in turn, say, "We accept you with both your successes and your failures," this reduces the tension on the adolescent.
If you feel you need psychological support, be sure to inform your parents. Psychologist consultations in Azerbaijan are not that expensive; prices are approximately equivalent to the fee for a mock exam. Remember that the exam result directly depends on your inner peace. Value yourself and believe in yourself – a successful outcome stems precisely from this belief".
