JEDDAH, 17 June 2008 — Examination season is tough for all students in general; however, high school girls feel particularly under pressure due to their family’s high expectations of them and the fear of not getting a second chance to study if they fail. Caught between two difficulties many girl students are becoming depressed.

“The first signs of depression are mood changes; other signs include changes in eating habits, preferring isolation, crying a lot and getting upset over small things,” said Dr. Ebrahim Saig, an internal medicine specialist.

“Depression is a dangerous illness and it can even lead to suicide. ... According to statistics, 15 percent of people who are depressed attempt suicide, and the peak time for students attempting to end their lives is usually early in the morning between four and five,” he added.

“Although exams are hard for both girls and boys, girls have fewer options if they fail — since boys who fail can join the military or the navy. The Ministry of Education should work toward having more educational opportunities for women,” said Dr. Saig.

Unfortunately some families limit their daughters’ options in life, giving them the choice of either studying or marrying.

“If a girl fails her exams, she is rarely given a second chance. She is asked to end her higher education and prepare for marriage. Girls are generally burdened quite a lot,” he added.

Intesar Mutaiz said her daughter is depressed because she is worried whether she will pass her exams.

“My daughter is upset. Even though she spends hours and hours everyday studying, she cries and tells me her mind just keeps going blank,” she said. “I’m worried about what all this tension will do to her. I took her to the doctor and now she’s taking anti-depression medication,” she added.

Bothaina Umm Sofyan, who has been working as a teacher for many years, said that when she feels a student is having trouble at home or emotional problems she reports them to the student counselor, who analyzes their emotional states and the nature of their problems before giving advice.