I am a Leaving Certificate student due to sit my exams in July/August. I am extremely unhappy with the decision made to postpone the exams as I fear that if I go to sit them I will contract the virus and spread it to my loved ones at home and potentially kill them. I am so scared. I am also a very sensitive person so I keep getting panic attacks every morning and in my sleep also. My mental health is truly deteriorating and I don’t think I can do this any longer. I am completely tired of experiencing panic attacks and crying every day I am just drained. The fear is like no other.
Being told to “cop on” or “you have extra time to study you should be grateful” truly does not help. People don’t realise that this postponement has prolonged the anxiety, the panic attacks, the nervous breakdowns and the uncertainty. I really would have hoped they cancelled the exams, that would have allowed me to move on and finally have a peace of mind, but now I am trapped in constant fear and worry and I’m afraid I just can’t do it anymore.
I just want to feel happy again and move on, not spend another 14 long horrible weeks feeling like this. Every time I try and study I just break down completely, I can’t do this anymore I just need my voice heard but they are not listening.
Help information
If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP, therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list of national mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.
- Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Pieta House National Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement) or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
- Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
If living in Ireland you can find accredited therapists in your area here: