Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I am attending a high school in Kingston. Whenever I am to sit an examination, I become nervous and fearful. I don't do well in examinations because of this. I would like some help in improving my grades.

- Sonia

Dear Sonia:

You seem to have anxiety when you are to sit examinations. This problem affects many students, so you are not alone. Examinations are usually viewed with fear and worry. People worry that they will fail even though they are well prepared.

A little anxiety keeps the individuals on their toes, but too much interferes with performance. You need to practise relaxation exercises. Deep breathing is very good to calm your anxiety. Sometimes the anxiety is so great that some medication is given.

Studying and practising past questions should be routine. If you're not adequately prepared for the various tests, you will be fearful and worried. There are techniques to passing exams.

You need to practise past papers and study them. Some questions are repeated, though slightly varied. Practising the past questions will give you the edge you need to get a good grade.

The various bookshops sell the past papers as well as booklets with worked examples. When you're doing the questions, you might find that you have to seek the help of your teachers. You may need to seek out your teachers to explain certain issues.

Prayer is very much part of your preparation.

You need to exercise your faith,

knowing that you have done the necessary studying.

Nutrition is important as your brain is working overtime and needs calories, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Take your nutritional supplements daily and have your nutritious meals.

Single parent and stressed

Dear Counsellor:

I am a single mother with two small children. I feel very stressed and have a difficulty coping on a daily basis.

- Anna

Dear Anna:

Stress is what makes up life, so we have to expect that life is not stress-free. Each day we have to solve problems and make far-reaching decisions. Acceptance of life's stresses is half the battle won. In managing stress, you need to organise yourself and seek the help of others. Make a list of your daily activities. This will give you an idea of time spent in certain activities. Give priority to certain activities and eliminate others from your schedule. Some things are needed, while others are wishes. Decide for yourself the goals that you want to achieve, then work towards them.

As the saying goes, 'It takes a village to raise a child'. There are nurseries and after-school facilities in many communities. Some of these facilities are managed by churches. If you attend a church in your area, you can find out the various activities that are available there. Friends, family and neighbours can assist you in a variety of ways. Seek out a support system and encourage others to help you. You may have to help others out sometimes.

Parents have needs that must be attended to. Take good care of yourself. Get adequate sleep, nutritious meals and relaxation periods. Exercise and pray daily.

It is not easy being a single parent, but nothing is easy. The grass is not always greener on the other side. What has happened to the children's father? Try to get the father to help you out.

Phone Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.