Survey results highlight the importance of promoting positive mental health in schools due to increased mental health concerns among students.
Rising anxiety levels
A survey of guidance counsellors working in secondary schools across Ireland has found that anxiety is the most commonly cited mental health difficulty impacting young people in schools, with 89% of those surveyed referencing rising levels of anxiety among students.
Conducted by Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) during the Irish Guidance Counsellors Conference in March 2025, the survey set out to identify prevalent areas of mental health-related concerns among young people; to explore current initiatives and strategies in place in schools to support students; and to identify additional resources and training that teachers and counsellors would find most useful in supporting students’ mental health.
Survey results
The survey, that received 55 responses from guidance counsellors found:
- The most common concern reported by guidance counsellors among students was anxiety, followed by isolation and school avoidance. Almost every respondent (n=48) noted a significant increase in anxiety across all year groups.
- In addition to heightened anxiety, counsellors reported a rise in other mental health concerns over the past year, including more frequent cases of eating disorders, and more complex difficulties such as trauma and psychosis.
- Many also observed a decline in students’ ability to cope with everyday stressors, attributing this to factors such as social media influence, phone misuse and disrupted sleep patterns.
Carol McCormack, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ (SPMHS) Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, said: “With students across the country returning to school this week, the publication of these findings from WIMS is a timely reminder for us to reflect on the difficulties many young people can experience with their mental health, and the important role that schools can play in nurturing and fostering positive mental health among their students.
Research shows that 50% of mental health presentations begin by the age of 14, and with young people spending large parts of their childhoods in school, it is essential that schools are equipped with tools and resources to provide the best possible setting to protect and nurture young people’s mental health".
“From the survey responses, it is evident that guidance counsellors and teachers across the country are deeply committed to prioritising mental health and wellbeing among the student population. We must continue to support these efforts by providing practical, helpful and relevant resources and initiatives that can be used to promote positive mental health in schools.”
"In addressing challenges with students’ mental health, survey respondents noted inteactive workshops, consistent and visible wellbeing programmes, and personalised one-to-one check-ins as the most effective supports.
Urgent need for integrated resources and training
One of the key insights from the survey is the urgent need for better integration and consistency across mental health initiatives. Guidance counsellors expressed strong demand for age-appropriate, evidence-based resources. Furthermore, ongoing training for school staff – extending beyond guidance counsellors to the entire school community – was highlighted as a top priority, particularly in early intervention, anxiety management and strategies to engage parents effectively.
The survey also pointed to areas requiring greater focus, including school refusal, and neurodiversity.
Paul Gilligan, CEO of SPMHS, said: “Every child has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Schools and teaching staff, in partnership with parents, peers, families, and young people themselves, have a key part to play in this.
Over the years, and particularly through WIMS, we have seen teachers’ dedication and commitment to supporting young people’s mental health.
“Progressive and innovative wellbeing programmes and initiatives are now central to many schools’ activities, and the findings from our WIMS survey reinforce the importance of this work, as well as the need to continue to develop consistent and integrated mental health initiatives”
"A well-rounded education helps children realise their potential; boosts self-esteem; and fosters a sense of achievement. Schools recognise how their educational ethos needs to involve all school staff being vigilant for early signs of mental health distress in pupils such as deterioration of work, spurious illness, social isolation, the desire to remain with adults and erratic attendance. Embedding wellbeing into the ethos of education helps children to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.”
Enhanced resources and guides
Insights from the survey will be used to enhance our existing resources and guide the development of future initiatives and resources such as new classroom-ready resources and enhanced materials to engage students, teachers and parents.
Resources for schools and parents
We offer a number of resources, tools and initiatives to support young people’s mental health, including:
- Parent training programmes: The National Parents Council, in partnership with SPMHS, offers training programmes for parents, guardians and carers. There are two courses available: one can be run in-person in local schools, while the other can be accessed online by parents, carers or guardians at any time of their choosing.
- An extensive online School Portal, a central hub where schools can share ideas, showcase mental health promotion activities in their classrooms and communities, and access practical resources to enhance student wellbeing.
