Students Advised to Leave The Worry Behind as Leaving Cert 2025 Draws to a Close

As the Leaving Certificate exams draw to a close today, national mental health charity Turn2Me is calling on students across Ireland to step away from the stress and anxiety that often follow exam season.

The organisation is urging students to avoid over-analysing their performance and instead turn their focus toward positive and healthy summer activities.

With thousands of students set to finish their final papers, Turn2Me is offering a simple message: don’t dwell on what’s done. The charity, which provides free professional mental health support online, is warning against the all-too-common habit of doing “post-mortems” on exam papers by dissecting answers, comparing notes with friends, and ruminating on potential mistakes.

“Once you walk out of that exam hall, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to let it go,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. “You’ve done your best, and that’s all anyone can ask. Now it’s time to focus on your well-being.”

To help students transition into the summer months, Turn2Me is offering practical advice to reduce anxiety and encourage a healthier mindset:

• Get a Summer Job: Whether in retail, hospitality, or a local business, having a job can add structure, provide a sense of purpose, and help distract from exam worries.
• Dive into Hobbies and Sports: Whether it’s football, painting, swimming, or playing an instrument, engaging in enjoyable activities can ease stress and lift mood.
• Volunteer Locally: Giving time to a local charity, youth group, or community project can foster a sense of connection and achievement.

In addition to staying active, the charity is promoting simple mental health practices to help manage lingering stress.

“Try deep breathing, spend time outdoors, or explore yoga and mindfulness,” O’Malley advised. “Even 10 minutes a day can have a big impact on your stress levels.”

For those on a tight budget, O’Malley recommended free online wellness resources, including YouTube classes for yoga and Pilates. “There’s no need for expensive memberships or equipment—just a quiet space and a willingness to give it a try.”

Importantly, Turn2Me is reminding students that exam results do not define them.

“You are more than your academic performance,” O’Malley said. “There are so many different paths to success—apprenticeships, PLC courses, conversion routes. The Leaving Cert is just one chapter in a much bigger story.”

Students feeling overwhelmed or anxious are encouraged to access Turn2Me’s free online services, which include up to six free one-to-one counselling sessions, online support groups, and self-help tools, all available at www.Turn2Me.ie.