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A Home Prescriber’s Guide to Supporting Teens Through Exam Results Season

For many families, GCSE and A-Level results day is one of the most emotionally loaded moments of the year. Whether your teen is quietly confident, dreading the worst, or trying not to care, emotions tend to run high, and not just for them. It can be just as intense for you too.

Picture of Kate Howard RSHom

Kate Howard RSHom

Homeopath and CHE Community Manager

As a home prescriber, you’re in a unique spot. You’re not only a parent or carer, you also have the tools to support your child in a gentle, natural way. And let’s face it, results season? It’s a big one.

Here’s how to approach it with calm, care, and a well-stocked remedy kit.

What results season really feels like

Even the most laid-back teen can find themselves under pressure. Because it’s not just about a few grades, it’s about identity, expectations, uncertainty, and sometimes even shame.

For some, it’s a high-stakes moment: university places, college courses, apprenticeships, big dreams.

For others, it’s the fear of letting people down or being judged. “What will they think?” “What if I’ve messed everything up?”

And for you? You might be wrestling with your own past experiences, trying to hold space for your child, and doing your best not to let their stress become your stress.

Homeopathy to the rescue

These are some of the most helpful remedies for this emotionally intense time; for your teen, and for you.

Gelsemium

The classic choice for anticipatory anxiety. Think heavy limbs, trembling, blankness, and a strong desire to hide. Perfect for that “I just want this to be over” feeling.

When to use: In the run-up to results, especially the night before, if there’s a frozen, leaden kind of dread.

Argentum nitricum

For fast-talking, pacing, restless anxiety. This teen might be obsessing over the worst-case scenario, craving sugar, or fizzing with nervous energy.

When to use: When there’s visible agitation and fear of failure, and they just can’t calm down.

Aconite

For sudden intense panic, wide eyes, racing heart, maybe even trembling hands. This is the “I can’t look!” moment.

When to use: Right before results are opened, or during a full-blown fear response.

Ignatia

Emotional whiplash: tears, then silence. Sobbing one moment, trying to stay strong the next. Great for heartbreak, disappointment, and emotional overload.

When to use: After unexpected or upsetting news, when emotions are raw or bottled up.

When to Prescribe and When to Simply Be There

As home prescribers, we can sometimes rush to fix the feeling. But start with empathy. Remedies work best when they come after connection.

“That’s a lot to take in. I’m here with you.”

Offer a safe space. Let them talk or not talk. Sit quietly together. Then, if it feels right, offer a remedy. But remember: your calm, steady presence is medicine too.

What Now? Handling the Unexpected

Not every results day ends with cheers and hugs. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, the most meaningful support we can give is perspective. Disappointment doesn’t mean failure, it can mean redirection. A pivot. A pause.

If your teen is in full meltdown mode, consider:

  • Lycopodium for fear of failure, performance anxiety, and self-doubt.
  • Calcarea Carbonica for overwhelm, sensitivity, and feeling totally out of their depth.
 

You might also explore Bach flower remedies: Rescue Remedy for shock, or Larch to support confidence and self-worth.

Don’t Forget You

You’ve probably been carrying a lot, emotionally, mentally, maybe even physically. Perhaps you’re reliving your own results day (good or bad), or feeling all the pressure of wanting to hold your child through this moment perfectly.

 

Take a moment for yourself.

  • Sepia for burnout and emotional detachment.
  • Nux Vomica if you’ve been running on adrenaline and coffee.
  • Phosphoric Acid when you feel flat, depleted, or emotionally numb.
 

You’re allowed support, too.

In Summary

Results day is a rite of passage. However it turns out, celebration or curveball, your teen will remember how you showed up.

With your heart open, your presence steady, and your remedies nearby, you’re doing something powerful: showing them that they are loved, supported, and not alone.

Disclaimer

The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent those of CHE or any affiliated organizations.

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