matric learners across South Africa await the release of their final results next week, mental health organisations and education experts are warning that the pressure surrounding the outcomes can take a serious toll on emotional well-being.
With results often viewed as a defining moment for future opportunities, experts say the intense national focus, combined with family expectations and social media scrutiny, is fuelling heightened anxiety among learners and their families.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) warns that the heightened national focus on matric results can place overwhelming pressure on young people.
“For many young people, Matric results are seen as a once-in-a-lifetime judgement of their ability, intelligence, and future,” says SADAG Project Manager for Education, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha.
“It becomes a national event filled with pressure from family, teachers, peers, and even social media. When results are tied to shame, disappointment, or fear of letting others down, Anxiety can easily turn into feelings of hopelessness.”
Counselling psychologist Dylan Benyon emphasises the critical role parents and teachers play during this period.
“For parents and teachers, the best thing you can say right now is ‘I’m here for you.’ Offer support without pressure and remind learners that Anxiety at this time is completely normal. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome because hard work and resilience matter far more than a single grade.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has also acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NCS) results, noting that the waiting period is marked by increased emotional strain for learners and their families.
“Grade 12 results often determine future opportunities, including tertiary education and employment, placing immense pressure on learners. Many learners experience increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts during this period. Emotional distress among learners can ripple into households and communities, requiring a holistic support approach.”
The union has called on government departments and social partners to step in with targeted interventions.
“The PSA urges the Department of Basic Education, Provincial Education Departments, Department of Social Development, as well as the religious sector, to deploy trained counsellors at districts and circuit offices during and after the release of results. Furthermore, these structures could activate toll-free helplines and digital platforms for immediate emotional support. The Department can also partner with Non-Governmental Organisations and mental health professionals to provide community-based counselling services. Proactive communication to learners and parents about available support channels is critical in this period.”
Dr Lauren Martin, counselling psychologist and Dean of the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), says parents should help shift the focus away from marks alone.
“It’s a time for parents to keep the focus on their child’s strengths, efforts, and their emerging identity, shifting attention away from narrow concerns on specific outcomes like marks. There are solutions and different pathways for every possible Matric outcome, and it is important to emphasise resilience and flexibility.”
“A supportive parent communicates confidence in their child’s ability to grow and adapt, even if the path ahead might end up being different than what was originally imagined, planned, or hoped for. What’s important is to help defuse the notion that a young person’s entire success hinges entirely on just these marks, because that’s a high-pressure idea that might lead to mental health challenges.”
JP Moller, an educator at SACAP, explained that parents can help reduce anxiety by keeping teens engaged and connected while waiting for results.
“Do fun activities with your kids. It needs to be acknowledged that they did all they could while studying and writing the exams, and it is now out of their control.”
“In the last few days before the results are published, keep them busy in healthy ways, like going on walks or playing some sport, or enjoying other hobbies together. Keep the focus also on physical health - healthy eating, daily exercise, and sufficient sleep.”
“Motivate them to talk to other matriculants about how they manage their stress while waiting for their results. Guide them through catastrophic thinking and create calm in the home.”
Saturday Star