Feeling Lost After Exams? You’re Not Alone

Support for young people after GCSEs, A-levels or university

Whether you’re finishing your GCSEs, A-levels, or graduating from university, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty ahead. Life after exams can be a strange in-between space, full of pressure, big decisions, and endless questions like “What now?”

At Harrogate Mind, we want you to know: you are not alone, and how you’re feeling is completely valid.

“I should be excited… so why do I feel anxious?”

People often assume that the end of exams means celebration and freedom. But for many, it brings:

Anxiety about results or the future
Fear of making the “wrong” choice
Pressure from family or social media
Loss of routine and stability
Low motivation or burnout

You might feel like everyone else has their life figured out, but they don’t. It’s okay not to know your next steps. It’s okay to feel lost.

Common thoughts young people have after exams

“I should know what career I want.”
“What if I’ve failed?”
“What if I made the wrong uni choice?”
“I’m falling behind everyone else.”
“Nothing feels exciting anymore.”

These thoughts are common, especially after stressful periods like exam season. Be gentle with yourself.

How your mental health might be affected

You may experience:

Low mood or depression
Anxiety or panic
Difficulty sleeping
Low self-esteem or comparison
Stress-related symptoms like headaches or stomach pain

If these feelings linger or get worse, it’s important to reach out.

Tips for coping with post-exam uncertainty

Take the pressure off
It’s okay not to have all the answers. Life is not a race, and there’s no “perfect path.”

Create a gentle routine
After weeks of revision, your brain needs structure and rest. Try planning light activities each day, even if it’s just a walk, journaling, or reading.

Talk about how you feel
Whether it’s a friend, parent, teacher or one of us at Harrogate Mind, speaking up can lift the weight of overthinking.

Avoid the comparison trap
Everyone’s journey is different. Just because someone’s posting their uni plans doesn’t mean they have it all figured out.

Use social media mindfully
If your feed is making you feel worse, take a break or curate it to include more uplifting, relatable content.

Focus on small wins
Making a CV, applying for a course, booking a college open day, these are all real progress.

Support from Harrogate Mind

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to turn, we’re here to help.

We offer:

Mental health support services
Wellbeing groups for young people
One-to-one sessions
Resources for navigating life’s transitions
Reach out to us today

Visit: https://mindinharrogate.org.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Call: 01423 503335

Whatever your results, plans, or path, your mental health matters. Your worth is not defined by grades, courses, or careers. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.