Dropout rates, demand for mental health services climb

Several of Ireland’s universities are reporting increased dropout rates and a dramatic increase in demand for mental health support as students struggle with the shift from remote learning to in-person lectures following the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Carl O’Brien for The Irish Times.

Trinity College Dublin and other universities have confirmed that interim figures show the number of students failing to complete their courses has climbed. This reverses a pattern of falling dropout rates over recent years and comes as counsellors in higher education institutions report record demand for services among students who feel disconnected from college.

Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland, a representative body for counselling services at third level, estimates that demand for services has climbed by between 23% and 70% this year, on the back of rising numbers of cases in recent years.
Full report on The Irish Times site