Three-quarters of students believe there is a social stigma attached to depression, according to a new study released by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) today.
The study, Student Depression in Higher Education Institutions, examines depression on campus and recommends improvements to improve facilities for depressed students across the country.
"The stigma of depression is as common on college campuses as it is in the community as a whole," USI President Mr Colm Jordan said.
Nearly half of the students surveyed said they would ask somebody they know suffering from depression if they needed help in any way, yet over 65 per cent said they knew someone suffering from the illness.
The main factors blamed for depression among students revealed stress (19 per cent), financial difficulties (14 per cent) and past or childhood problems (20 per cent) as the main reasons for the illness.
The study also found that 48 per cent of students said they would approach family or friends for help; only 13 per cent said they would go to a counsellor.
Ms Maureen Woods, Welfare Officer of the USI, said: "It is imperative that every individual on campus can recognise symptoms of depression and that higher education institutions are able to respond quickly".
The USI recommended a mental health framework be set up in all colleges. It also advises increased investment in student-counselling services and a compulsory mentoring programme where every student must attend a meeting with a member of staff at least four times a year.
