Students offered mental health support by text ahead of exam results

Students awaiting their exam results can get free, round-the-clock help with their mental health, thanks to a digital service available in Sussex.

Young people who are feeling stressed or anxious during this period can text the word SUSSEX to 85258 to be connected to a qualified mental health professional for a real-time text-based conversation and mental health support.

After receiving an automated text from the service, the aim is that all texters will be connected to a mental health professional within 15 minutes.

In the past year (1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025), more than 18000 text-based conversations with people from Sussex have taken place via the mobile phone-based app, which is popular with teenagers and young adults.

Low mood or sadness, suicidal thoughts and stress or worry are the three most commons reasons why people contact the service.

Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Waiting for and receiving exam results can be an anxious time for young people.  It's normal to feel some anxiety but if those feelings are becoming overwhelming, it's important to seek help."

Signs of extreme stress or anxiety include:

• Being unable to relax or switch off because you are preoccupied with thoughts of exams
• Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to socialise

• Not sleeping, excessive tiredness or loss of appetite
• Becoming aggressive or overly irritable
• Very low mood, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Advice on dealing with stress and anxiety:

• Share your feelings with others if possible - talk to your friends or family about what is going on for you
• Plan results day - have somebody with you when you collect your results if that would help to ease your anxiety or worries
• Plan time to be with friends and to do things you enjoy doing
• Receiving disappointing results can be extremely upsetting, but it is important to remember that not everyone performs at their best under exam conditions
• Talk to a teacher or contact the school or college if you have concerns about your results. They will be able to talk through the options available to support your future plans and help you achieve your goals.

Text SUSSEX to 85258, which is delivered through the national text messaging service Shout, is part of a wider programme, led by health and care partners in Sussex, to make it easier for people who live and work in the county to access services to get help with their mental health. Find out about other ways you can get help with your mental health.