By Callum Mason 

THE number of students seeking counselling in Scotland has soared over the past four years, with figures almost doubling at some institutions.

Figures reveal the number of students seeking counselling at Edinburgh University grew by 95 per cent between 2012/13 and 15/16, with increases also seen at St Andrews and Glasgow universities In some years, more than half of students using such services were in their fourth year – the final year for most students.

Mental health experts say the rise is partly due to the stigma surround- ing using such services decreasing.

The news comes a week after Prince Harry talked openly about seeking counselling after enduring years of “total chaos”, following the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Full statistics show the number of students seeking counselling at Edinburgh University was 1,192 in 2012/13 and 2,323 in 15/16, an overall increase of 95 per cent.

At St Andrews, a rise of 8 per cent was seen over the four years, from 878 to 945, while at Glasgow a rise of 10 per cent occurred, from 1,052 to 1,171.

Fourth year students, most of whom were in their final year, were the most regular users.

In Edinburgh in 2012/13 for example, 785 of 1,192 users – 65 per cent – were in their fourth year, and the following academic year 855 of 1,350 – a similar proportion - were at the same stage.

Calum Irving, director of mental health charity See Me Scotland, said: “These results show more people are asking for help at universities. This is good to see because no one should go through difficulties alone.

“If people are to recover from mental health conditions they need care and support quickly, no one should be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.

“However, while it is good to see people asking for help, it can’t be discounted that the rise could be down to more students experiencing problems with their mental health.

“With this rise it is vital that when students do reach out for help, the right support available.”

Ronnie Millar, director of the student counselling service at Edinburgh University, said: “Over the last four years we have invested significant extra resources in our counselling services.

“As well as increased investment in frontline services, major changes to improve the accessibility and visibility of these services have been made. We have also stepped up efforts to promote our facilities and raise awareness of mental health issues among students and staff.

“It is encouraging that more students are coming forward to get the support they need.”

Prince Harry said earlier this month his mother’s death in 1997 had, had a “quite serious effect” on his life.

Harry said he only began to address his grief when he was 28, despite being 12 at the time of her death.

Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier this month she believed Harry speaking out could help “smash the stigma around mental health”.