HELPING MATRICULANTS COPE WITH UNEXPECTED RESULTS

With the release of the Matric Class of 2025 results recently, many matriculants will be celebrating and planning their next academic step. For some, the results may be unexpected or disappointing, triggering feelings of anxiety, stress and self doubt.

“All is not lost. There are many options, and your academic or career journey may simply take a different route than you originally planned,” said Eshana Ratibar Ghela (Student Wellness Specialist at the Emeris Durban North campus). Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE).

“Your results do not define your worth or your future. Many successful people have faced academic setbacks and gone on to build fulfilling careers,” added Ghela, who is also a registered Counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

She shared six practical mental health and wellness tips to help matriculants cope during this often emotionally charged time:

1. Pause and focus on your breathing
“Strong emotions can feel overwhelming. Taking slow, deep breaths helps calm the nervous system and brings clarity. Try box breathing: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four and hold again for four. Repeat until your body begins to relax”.

2. Be mindful of your inner dialogue
“Notice when you are being harsh or critical towards yourself. Speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Replace self blame with compassionate, encouraging thoughts and remind yourself that setbacks are part of growth, not failure”.

3. Reach out to your support network
“Lean on people you trust, such as family members, friends or mentors. Sharing how you feel can ease emotional pressure and help you gain perspective. Your support circle can also help you explore options and, if necessary, guide you toward professional help”.

4. Seek professional support if needed
“If you feel persistently overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or not like yourself, reach out for professional support. If you are experiencing thoughts of self harm or suicide, please seek immediate help,” said Ghela.

Useful contact numbers:

5. Take care of your body
“Basic self care plays a key role in emotional wellbeing. Eat nourishing food, stay hydrated, move your body and get enough rest. Simple routines and small wins can help restore a sense of control and stability”.

6. Process your thoughts through writing
“Journalling allows thoughts and emotions to settle. Write freely without worrying about grammar or structure. You can also practise gratitude journalling by noting small moments that brought comfort or connection, helping shift focus from distress to presence.

During a recent career discussion at Vega School, a specialist school at Emeris, veteran Career Counsellor and Counselling Psychologist Professor Zak Nel reminded learners that disappointing results are not the end of the road.

“If you fail Grade 12, you can repeat it. If you don’t achieve a Bachelor’s Pass, there are still pathways such as Higher Certificates and Diplomas,” said Nel. “A Higher Certificate can act as a bridging qualification into a degree, allowing learners to keep progressing academically”.

Nel added that both public and private tertiary institutions offer alternative routes and flexible pathways. “The key is to explore the options you do qualify for and keep moving forward,” reiterated Nel.