Surge in third-level students reporting mental health issues

A spike in third-level students registering with mental health conditions has been attributed to better supports and reduced stigma.

Ahead — the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability — reported a jump from 343 to 501 in the number of new students who made themselves known to disability services as having a mental health condition. However, it said, this 46% rise came as no surprise.

“Supports are improving at second level, meaning more students are coming through and a positive change in public attitudes to mental health is resulting in students feeling more comfortable in disclosing to support services on campus,” said Ahead executive director Ann Heelan.