SADAG offers ongoing emotional support for matrics this results season

As Matric learners across South Africa prepare to receive their final results next week, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is urging learners, parents, and educators to focus on Emotional Wellbeing during what can be one of the most stressful times of the year.

“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.”

Each year, SADAG receives an increase in calls from learners and parents struggling to cope with the uncertainty surrounding results. There is a deep concern about the emotional toll this period can take, especially for young people who have already faced an intense year of studying, exams, and expectations.

The organisation is here to support learners, parents, and teachers before, during, and after results day. In the lead-up, Counsellors provide a listening ear for anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed. On the day itself, SADAG’s Toll-Free 24-hour Helplines and WhatsApp chat are ready to offer immediate guidance and reassurance. In the days and weeks after results are released, the organisation will continue to help learners and families process their emotions, explore next steps, and find hope through second-chance options and ongoing support.

To further assist during this time, SADAG has launched a new Matric Results Online Toolkit, available at www.sadag.org. The free digital resource is designed to support young people through the emotions and decisions that come with results day. It includes helpful videos, easy-to-read articles, and practical Mental Health brochures, offering guidance on managing Anxiety, preparing emotionally for results, and exploring next steps calmly and confidently.

SADAG also encourages learners to:

▪ Prepare emotionally for Results Day by deciding in advance who to talk to and where to be, no matter the outcome.
▪ Separate results from self-worth: your marks are not a measure of your value as a person.
▪ Limit social media to avoid harmful comparisons or pressure.
▪ Plan for different outcomes: there are always multiple pathways to success, from remarking or rewriting to bridging courses, TVET colleges, or other opportunities.
▪ Reach out early: speak to a parent, teacher, friend, or counsellor if anxiety feels overwhelming.

Counselling Psychologist Dylan Benyon adds, “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.”

SADAG offers free, confidential, 24-hour support for learners, parents, and teachers nationwide. Trained Counsellors are available at any time to provide guidance, practical next steps, and emotional support:

▪ Telephone: 0800 567 567 (available 24/7)
▪ WhatsApp Chat: 087 163 2030 (8am – 5pm)
▪ SMS “Help” to 31393 and a Counsellor will call you back

“We want young people to know that there is always help and always hope,” says Roshni. “If you’re feeling anxious or scared, talk about it early. You don’t have to wait for a crisis, there is someone ready to listen and help you find your way forward.”