The Union of Students has asked for increased investment in student counselling services.
Ireland has the highest rate of suicide in Europe among the 20-25 age group and 75% of students are said to feel the stigma around depression.
The Union says its up to society as a whole to tackle this issue.
The President of the UCD students Union, Aonghas Hourihane, says colleges are becoming more competitive and intense, and working outside of college is causing high levels of stress for students.
Stress (19%), financial difficulties (14%) and childhood or other past problems (20%) were the main reasons cited for student depression, according to the study.
In order to tackle the stigma surrounding depression, the union has recommended that:
1. A mental health framework be put in place in all colleges. This means that everyone on the campus - lecturers, administrators, counsellors, security guards, doctors and chaplains - would be informed about the issue of mental health and how to respond to individuals in distress.
2. Increased investment in student counselling services.
3. Further investment in educational and awareness campaigns.
4. Peer groups organised on campus and facilitated by trained counsellors.
5. 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, said that it was worrying that only 13% of respondents said that they would go to a counsellor if they needed help. 'This is why it is also vital that students are aware of the support framework that is available to them,' she said.
