By Jamie McNulty
Researcher, Ulster University
Atlantic Futures Research Stream 4 – Digital Mental Health Support for Young People
The Student Mental Health Symposium, held on January 31st at ATU Donegal, was an inspiring and thought-provoking event that brought together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to address the pressing issue of student mental health.
As a researcher from Ulster University and a member of the Atlantic Futures Research Stream 4, focusing on Digital Mental Health Support for Young People, I found the event to be an invaluable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to student wellbeing.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Paul Hannigan, Head of College at ATU Donegal, who emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling mental health challenges. Gareth Hughes, the keynote speaker, delivered a powerful and insightful talk on the current state of university student mental health. His emphasis on the need for a whole-university approach resonated deeply with me, particularly as it aligns with our work in exploring how digital tools can complement traditional support systems.
A key highlight of the symposium for me was the discussion led by the I-SWAP team, Dr Elaine Murray, Dr Louise McBride, Dr Margaret McLafferty, James Sweeney and Sophy Farland which I have been collaborating with since lasr year. The presentation focused on findings from the I-SWAP project. Their work has been instrumental in shedding light on the unique challenges faced by students with ADHD, reinforcing the importance of tailored interventions.
As part of the I-SWAP team, it was a privilege to contribute to this conversation by presenting my research, which explores how depression and anxiety manifest in university students with ADHD and the barriers they face in seeking support and as someone who is deeply invested in digital mental health solutions, I was particularly intrigued by the potential for technology to bridge gaps in accessibility and personalisation for students with diverse needs.
The panel discussion that followed was an engaging and insightful exchange of ideas, with participants exploring topics ranging from early intervention strategies to the role of peer support networks. It was encouraging to see such a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and student-centred approaches—all of which are critical in advancing mental health support for young people.
I left feeling both inspired and motivated. This symposium was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared learning. The insights I gained from Gareth Hughes and the I-SWAP team have already sparked new ideas for our research on digital mental health tools. It’s clear that by working together, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for students across Ireland and beyond.
The symposium not only highlighted the challenges we face but also showcased the incredible work being done to address them. I am excited to bring these learnings back to our team at Atlantic Futures and to continue pushing the boundaries of what digital mental health support can achieve for young people.
I am grateful to ATU Donegal for organising such a meaningful and impactful gathering. It was fantastic to be part of this event as both a researcher and a collaborator within I-SWAP, and I look forward to continuing this vital work in the years to come.
Jamie
Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme.