There is a need for parents and guardians to accept their children’s external exam results in a positive way, says Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam.

He says one of the ways this can be done “is by creating a safe and enabling environment where a child is able to have an open conversation with a trusted person and express his/her feelings and emotions.”

Mr Morgam says being understood and accepted has a profound effect on an individual’s life and well-being as it changes negative thoughts and feelings into a more positive one. Also, being mindful is key as it assists in realising that the overwhelming negative thoughts do not shape a person into what or who he/she isn’t.

With the Fiji Eighth Year Examination results out now, he says it is aware that some students performed very well and got good marks while others did not do so well.

“Therefore, it is vital that these students learn how to deal with the disappointment of not getting the result they had desired. Learning to deal with such disappointment is possible with the support of their parents, guardians and family members,” Mr Morgam said.

As an organisation focusing on counselling and social work support, Empower Pacific is aware that not getting the desired result can trigger disappointment, worry about the future, guilt, self-blame, feelings of being left out and having a low self-esteem. However, with the right support, these emotions can be managed positively. There are, however, some cases where such feelings can drive an individual into depression with more drastic outcomes such as committing or attempting to commit suicide