Wise counsel Trish Murphy , Trinity Student Counselling Services (SCS) Director, addresses the pressing mental health crisis affecting students and highlights the university's commitment to tackling the issue I n today’s challenging world, students and young people face significant hurdles, having spent crucial childhood and teenage years disrupted by COVID lockdowns. For this generation, anxiety, housing issues, financial pressures, and isolation have become all too common. At Trinity, over one in every eight students has sought our help. Last year, we handled more than 900 crisis appointments, reflecting a marked rise in mental health challenges. To address these evolving needs, Trinity has enhanced services to support students throughout their academic journey. There are three broad aspects to student success – we sometimes refer to this as the 3-legged stool – a sense of belonging, academic confidence, and mental health & wellbeing. We address all three of these aspects through our three services within the department – Student 2 Student (S2S), Student Learning Development (SLD) and Student Counselling Services (SCS). In 2023, the Student Counselling Service provided one-on-one and group counselling to over 2,600 students. Many students, particularly those from outside Dublin or abroad, experience disconnection from home. Our programmes help build connections, while tailored academic support aids students in managing a demanding curriculum. It’s important to recognise the lasting effects of COVID-19 disruptions, especially for students entering university. Freshers saw their second year and Junior Cert affected, while second-year students missed their exams and had a limited Transition Year. These interruptions still impact students as they approach graduation. This generation, raised with 24/7 social media exposure, spent formative years in lockdown and now faces a cost of living and housing crisis. Positively, they are more open to seeking help. We know that students who receive counselling and peer support build resilience that benefits them beyond university.
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