Exam stress

[Story7]

My DS is 17 yo and is just completing his mock A levels. He has been so anxious that he voimitted and was sent home - resat the exams the following day but of course this is not an option for the actual A levels. Have spoken to him and said it is natural to feel anxious and that sometimes our body reacts physically but it is necessary to carry on. Have sought support from school.
Has anyone had a similar experience? How have you tried to help your DS/apprenticeships as a production line and he's not sure he wants to be part of that. Says adult life looks bleak and depressing. Difficult to motivate him. Thinking he may have to repeat the year. Help!

I have a 17 year old son who is also taking his mocks. 6 months ago he was so unprepared and unmotivated and his predicted grades were appalling but in the last few months it's like he's had a rocket put up him and he is revising constantly and feels much more in control of the situation. Do you think this might be why your son is feeling sick? like it's an anxiety because he is unprepared? If it is, it isn't too late to fix it, its a good few months yet until the actual exams and he needs to try and take control of the situation if he can. My son has founds revising with other people in his class on like a teams call really helps.

@Lakelandmumofthree thank you so much. I think you're right - he's panicking and overwhelmed. Love your idea of revising with classmates - that might work. They all seem to have been knocked for six with the mocks. Reality is kicking in. Wishing your son luck!

I was sick on the morning of every single gcse, alevel and uni exam. I'm a stress head though. Kalms would take the edge off but ensure he takes them on a non exam day first so that he can see how they affect him. It's a scary time trying to work out what to do with your life

Thank you. Will try them as you advise. Poor you! Sounds awful!

If he is so anxious he is vomiting I'd be talking to him about ways to help - lucky mascot he can have, learning some breathing etc.

You can self refer for CBT therapy for anxiety and it might help him.

I think some kind of exercise once or twice a week is vital, so swimming, climbing whatever. Dancing, even just round his bedroom, will help relieve stress. Also make sure there’s at least one night a week that is work-free to watch films or socialise with friends.