One-fifth of first years ‘suffer stress’

ONE-FIFTH of almost 1,000 first-year secondary students claim to suffer significant stress levels, according to a survey to be launched today.

And one in 20 of the 12 and 13-year-olds say they are suffering from extreme stress, adding that in many cases it is unmanageable. Some use alcohol and drugs in a bid to cope with their problems.

The Kerry Mental Health Association (KMHA), which conducted the survey in 13 secondary level schools in Kerry, yesterday expressed concern at the findings and called for increased awareness of the factors causing stress in young people's lives.