According to a new study, more than half of women in their early twenties are depressed due to a pandemic, causing serious disruption to their lives.
A study by the Institute for Economic and Social Research (ESRI) shows how the mental health of young adults has been adversely affected since the introduction of Covid-19.
According to reports, more than 55% of women and more than 41% of men in their early twenties were classified as depressed.
A December 2020 survey of more than 2,200 people, primarily 22 years old, raised questions about the continued impact on young people after the pandemic.
In a similar survey conducted before the pandemic, 22% of men and 31% of women between the ages of 20 and 22 were classified as depressed.
According to the latest statistics, the number of men experiencing depression has almost doubled.
Mental health experts describe the findings as “grave concerns” and urge the government to address the lack of services available to young people in need of assistance at critical times.
Unemployment, difficulty studying in remote areas, and reduced direct contact with friends contributed to the increase in depression rates.
Less time spent in sports and the outdoors was also associated with increased depression rates in men.
Alcohol consumption has dropped significantly, but many have turned to an unhealthy diet during the pandemic.
Anne Nolan, one of the authors of the report, said:
“For women, eating more junk food and sweets was also associated with an increased risk of depression.”
Report co-author Emer Smyth said the depressed report growth was “very severe.”
“Before the pandemic, numbers were a concern. At that time, we expressed concern, but these latest numbers are very high.
“I don’t know what the long-term consequences will be.”
Dr. Joseph Morning of SpunOut.ie Irish Independent: “The effects of a pandemic will be significant and long-lasting.
“The problem is that there are many young people experiencing depression, which will exacerbate the pressure on these already overloaded mental health services.
“The longer the waiting list, the longer the waiting list, the less youth can get the right support at the right time.
“Your symptoms are growing and getting worse, and people will have more serious mental health problems than if they could be prevented at the right time.”
Dr. Alison Rooney, a certified psychologist from Malahide, Dublin, said: Irish Independent The pandemic has brought challenges to everyone.
However, people in their early twenties were particularly affected. Because they had just diverged into adulthood when all their social means were cut off.
“Disconnecting really affects young women and young men,” said Dr. Looney.
“Young women in that age group were beginning to realize that they were living as adults for the first time.
“They had a profound effect on them because they were independent, radically cut off, and so separated from their normal development with their peers.
“It’s very difficult and I’m in depression.
“The blockade of Covid has shattered the social trust of young people.
“As I saw in my practice, many young adults struggle to regain their senses in social situations.
“Social self-confidence is like muscle. You have to practice it, and they haven’t practiced for two years.”
