USI Release study on Depression

national | miscellaneous | news report Tuesday June 10, 2003 15:59 by Noel Hogan - USI dep_president at usi dot ie

The Union of Students in Ireland has released a major study on depression.

Union of Studentsin Ireland Press Release
“STRESS, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, CHILDHOOD/PAST PROBLEMS MAIN FACTORS BEHIND STUDENT DEPRESSION”
– MAJOR NEW STUDY RELEASED

10th June 2003

Stress (19%), financial difficulties (14%) and childhood or other past problems (20%) were the main reasons cited for student depression in a major new study launched by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) today. The study also reveals that 75% of students believe that there is a social stigma attached to depression and that 65.5% of students know somebody who suffers from depression.

Colm Jordan, President, USI said: “The stigma of depression is as common on college campuses as it is in the community as a whole, and this vital study assesses the various causes and available solutions. With these in mind, USI recommend that:
- a mental health framework be put in place in all colleges. In essence this means that everyone on the campus – lecturers, administrators, counsellors, security guards, doctors and chaplains are informed about the issue of mental health and how to respond to individuals in distress
- increased investment in student counselling services
- further investment in educational and awareness campaigns
- peer groups organised on campus and facilitated by trained counsellors
- a compulsory mentoring programme for all students where every student must attend a meeting with a member of staff at least four times in the academic year.”

Maureen Woods, Welfare Officer, 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, sensitively and effectively to any situation that might arise and to encourage students who may suffer from depression or a mental health problem to seek help. It is absolutely crucial that measures are put in place to de-stigmatise the illness, as this is the first step in conquering what can be a devastating and debilitating illness for people.
Encouragingly, 49% of people would ask somebody they know suffering with depression could they help in any way, but we find it worrying that as many as 65% of students know someone who suffers with depression.
It is also worrying that the majority of students (48%) would approach friends and family for help while only 13% would go to a counsellor. While friends and family are of invaluable assistance, the services of a trained counsellor are often essential to aid students suffering from depression. This is why it is also vital that students are aware of the support framework that is available to them.”

For further details please contact:
Maureen Woods, Welfare Officer, USI
Colm Jordan, President, USI