Almost 40% of college students suffer from severe levels of anxiety while 30% are experiencing depression, a new survey has shown.
A new report into the mental health of third level students by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) found one fifth (20.9%) feel they have no one to talk to about their personal difficulties.
More than 3,000 students were asked about all aspects of their experiences with mental health and mental health services.
The results show many students are having to rely on both on and off-campus services to support their mental health.
According to the study, a free on campus counselling service was important for students, while those involved in activities outside of their coursework had better mental health.
The USI says the findings show the need for better and more accessible mental health services for students, both on and off campus.
Vice-president for welfare at USI, Roisin O'Donovan, said she's saddened by the findings.
She explained: "I think it's a real shame that both the education and healthcare system we have in Ireland obviously isn't supporting students as best they can.
"I am very shocked with the data, but also not surprised because of all the financial stress and accommodation stress that students are under at the moment."
She added: "We'd like to see more streamlined services, because sometimes there is quite a gap between certain services - especially if you're coming from secondary school into college, or maybe [when] leaving college."
