Junk food fix as 36% of students feel ‘down’ every day

More than a third of Irish students feel “down” every day and most of them find comfort in food, a new study shows.

According to the Union of Students in Ireland, 36% of students feel down every day and the most common thing they do in those circumstances is eat chocolate, cakes, crisps, or other “treat” foods.

The survey found 83% of students said talking to someone helped when they are depressed, which is why the USI is launching its ‘Chats for Change’ campaign with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services from next Tuesday, urging third-level students to talk about mental health while enjoying a cup of tea.