One in three Australian tertiary education students have thought about suicide or self-harm in the last 12 months, a study has found.

The research, published by mental health group Headspace with the National Union of Students, found an “alarming” level of anxiety among university and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) students.

The study surveyed 2,600 tertiary students aged between 17 and 25 with 35 per cent, or 910, saying they have considered self-harm or suicide in the past 12 months.

“We know that self-harm rates are increasing, with one in three experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm over the last 12 months,” Jason Trethowan, Chief Executive Officer of Headspace, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday.

“Relatively speaking, the number is extremely high and it’s a point of real concern.”

Among the most common challenges reported by the survey respondents were increased workloads, looming deadlines and financial hardship.

“They might have moved out of home for the first time, and might have greater responsibilities financially (or) domestically,” Trethowan said.

“The changing external factors compared to the past decade creates an environment, where people need to be more aware of their mental health.

“I just want young people to recognise that you’re not alone, mental health is a problem across the country, getting onto of your issues, there is help out there, so seek help.”

It showed that some 65 per cent of students who took part in the survey reported high to very high levels of psychological stress while more than half had suffered panic attacks.

Amelia Walters, 18, who moved from Brisbane to Melbourne to attend university, said she can identify with those challenges.

“My life here rested on that academic performance essentially,” Walters said.

“I felt completely paralyzed … At that point I could see it wasn’t only affecting me but the people around me.

“(Then) I got to the point where I felt so paralysed by the different responsibilities I felt to myself … I was no longer able to engage in my studies.”(Xinhua/NAN)