As per a study, which was conducted in Northern Ireland, as a part of the Open Your Mind campaign, it has been revealed that more than 25% of students studying in colleges and universities have either suffered mental illness or have been suffering from it.

In order to reach at the above given result, 1,500 students were surveyed from different institutions like Queen’s University, Belfast Metropolitan College and other colleges. Main aim of the study was to raise awareness about mental health as well as bring forth the issue of alcohol misuse.

While conducting the survey, it was found that depression was the most common mental illness in Northern Ireland, and bulimia and anorexia were at second and third number.

Adrianne Peltz, who is President of the project's lead partner, said, “This type of scenario and the pressure of holding down a job while facing the stress of having to pass many exams and complete assignments can have a profoundly negative impact on some people's lives, and this report's findings are very telling”.

Anne Doherty, who is Deputy Chief Executive of the project, was of the view that the survey findings have highlighted that the authorities’ concerned need to take action on the issue. The findings are self explanatory that many young people are experiencing mental illness.

More than that, it is very important that people should understand the mental illness and its symptoms. One in five men said that they are not able to distinguish whether or not a person is suffering from mental illness.

However, one of the positive points of the survey is that students will be able to form a network and spread awareness about mental health.