Researchers have measured levels of depression and anxiety for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A recent survey of over 3 million US adults has unveiled high rates of anxiety and depression among young adults, with more than a third saying they were particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Conducted between April 2020 and August 2022, the study indicates a stark contrast in mental health outcomes between age groups. 

Those aged 18-39 experienced higher rates of anxiety (40 per cent) and depression (33 per cent) compared to those over 40 (31 per cent and 24 per cent respectively).

The findings point to the economic challenges faced by young people, compounded by their heightened responsiveness to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. 

The study highlights the persistence of these age disparities throughout the pandemic.

The research suggests that younger adults were disproportionately exposed to unfavourable economic conditions.

As the pandemic unfolded, mental health improvements were observed among adults aged 40 and older, while younger adults continued to grapple with elevated anxiety and depression levels. 

Approximately one-third of the age-related gap in mental health outcomes was attributed to economic precarity, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and economic policies tailored to support the well-being of younger adults in the post-pandemic landscape.

The full study is accessible here.