34% of students who live alone experience depression - Aware

One out of every three students who lives alone becomes depressed, according to research released today by Aware.

The average rate of depression among college students is 7.8%. However this rises to 34% among people aged between 17 and 21 who live alone.

Professor Patrick McKeon from Dublin's St Patrick’s Hospital urged families of students moving away from home to look out for signs of depression.

“Look out for a person who is quieter than normal, has less to say, looks tired, looks shook up and really isn’t interested in socialising,” he said.