Many students feel worse after the 2025 Singapore Cambridge GCE A-Level examination results day, not better, and that’s completely normal. Your nervous system is simply coming out of threat mode – the adrenaline is gone, and your brain finally releases everything it was holding onto. This might result in feeling tired, irritable, teary, empty, or stuck.

Stabilise Your Body

• Sleep repair: Insomnia is a not uncommon difficulty that students face at this time, but luckily, there are lots of ways to combat it. Evidence-based approaches focus on reducing arousal, reshaping sleep habits, and calming the mind. Try waking up at the same time each day, avoid screens for an hour before bed, establish a calming and peaceful night routine, and if you are awake for long, get up briefly for a quiet activity before returning. It can be helpful to remind yourself that just by lying in bed, even if you can’t sleep, your body is still benefitting both physically and mentally.
  
• Eat proper meals and get some movement: Even if you have no appetite, aim for something warm and filling. Eat it slowly and take small bites. Move for 10 minutes by walking downstairs or stretching; movement helps metabolise stress. If you’re up for it, higher intensity exercises like dance cardio can also reduce stress and trigger feelings of happiness and motivation by releasing “happy chemicals” like endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
  
• One safe conversation: It’s okay if you need to speak (or even vent) to someone about your worries or frustrations; most people understand that results day is a stressful time. Pick someone that you trust and let them know that you’re not looking for solutions, just a listening ear.

Gradually Plan Your Next Steps

• Step 1 (Day 1-2) – Information: Assemble all important information, such as entry requirements and any deadlines, in one place. Counsellors are a reliable source as well, so reach out if you need any help or clarification.
  
• Step 2 (Day 3-7) – Options: Explore local and overseas university courses, polytechnic pathways, private education routes, taking a gap year, or retaking specific subjects.
  
• Step 3 (Week 2 onwards) – Decision: Make your choice based on how it best fits you, not out of fear or pressure to conform to someone else’s wishes. Ask yourself what kind of life you want in 5 years, what environment helps you grow, and what support you need to stay mentally well.

A Word About Shame

Shame is a voice in our heads, and it often says things like,: “I am bad,” or “I’m a failure.” But these are our thoughts, not facts, and it is very important to challenge the truth of what our thoughts tell us. Try talking to yourself like you would a friend, weighing up the evidence that supports or opposes your thoughts, or writing two alternative outcomes to scary predictions that your brain cooks up. A more accurate thought may look like: “I had a hard moment, but I can still build a good path”.

Signs You Should Not Ignore

Please seek support if you notice panic attacks that keep happening, not eating for a day or more, self-harm urges, an inability to get out of bed, or if alcohol, gaming, or gambling is being used to numb the pain. Our clinicians would be all too happy to offer you a confidential space.