Counselling Services

Studying at third level is challenging at the best of times. College is a beneficial and enjoyable experience most of the time. However, any of us can experience difficulties. These could be related to:

  • the stress of study
  • difficulties in maintaining work-life and study-life balance
  • difficulties relating to integrating into a new culture, if you are not from Dublin or if you are an international student
  • difficulties integrating into a culture that speaks a different language
  • personal difficulties that are impacting negatively on your mental health
  • challenging life circumstances
  • increasing anxiety about grades
  • general stress and anxiety
  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts
  • relationship difficulties
  • problems with food/eating and/or eating disorders
  • worries about personal appearance
  • bereavements
  • loneliness
  • homesickness
  • low self-esteem or lack of confidence
  • traumatic experiences (including being the victim of violence, a crime, or rape)
  • difficulties with substances such as drugs or alcohol
  • pregnancy issues
  • self-harm
  • anger management issues

The college counsellor has been appointed specifically to support students who may be faced with a particular personal difficulty in their lives. A counsellor provides you with a confidential, one-to-one, supportive, and non-judgmental space, where you can voice your difficulties and concerns in a caring, trusting situation.

You can access the counsellor by contacting Ms June Shannon, the Student Liaison Manager, who will help you to arrange an appointment to personally meet a counsellor for a confidential appointment. Details are posted throughout the college on college notice boards. ICD will provide funding to ensure money is not an obstacle for you in maintaining your well-being. Any information you provide about yourself in this regard will be kept in the strictest confidence to ensure your privacy.

Mental and Emotional Support Services

The Samaritans

The Samaritans are a charity who provide free mental and emotional support services. If you need someone to talk to who will listen and won’t judge you or tell you what to do, then please feel free to contact the Samaritans
Tel: Freephone 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.ie

BodyWhys

(The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland)
BodyWhys provide a confidential, non-judgmental support for people affect by eating disorders.
Tel: 1890 200 444

Shine

Shine support and uphold the rights of people affected by mental ill health including, but not limited to, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, and bi-polar disorder. Shine runs a confidential helpline from 9am-4pm Mon-Fri
Tel: 1890 621 631

Console

Supports and helps people bereaved through suicide. Provides a confidential listening service. This service allows callers space and safety to speak about their loss, to express their feelings, and to discuss how they are coping
Tel: 1800 201 890

Parentline

Parentline provides confidential help and support for parents and guardians of newborn babies, toddlers, pre-teens, and teenagers, to help parents address any challenges or difficulties they may have
Tel: 1890 927 277

Aware

Aware provide a helpline for people who suffer from depression, or family or friends of people who suffer from depression. If you are feeling depressed or are worried about someone, please call Aware. Aware provide a non-directive listening service, someone to talk to (10am-10pm Mon – Wed; 10am-1am Thurs – Sun).
Tel: 1890 303 302

GROW

GROW is a mental health organisation who help people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems to help anybody recover from, or help prevent, mental breakdown.
Tel: 1890 474 474

National Drugs & HIV Helpline

Providing confidential support and information to people with HIV or who have difficulties with drugs
Tel: 1800 459 459

Gay Switchboard Dublin

GSD provide non-directive, non-judgmental friendship, support and information to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community, and to anyone who has any issues relating to their sexuality.
Tel: 01 872 1055

Also, please remember, that one of the best supports you can have in college are your fellow students. Please reach out to any ICD staff member or student that you trust if you need any help. The Student Representatives will also support you when you need them.

For more information, please take a look at our student handbook: See Student Handbook