Young women bear mental pain of lockdown

Study finds millennials most likely to suffer from depression and loneliness during restriction period

YOUNG women have been the hardest hit mentally by lockdown, suffering more problems than any other age group, new figures reveal. A survey by University College London identified

“widespread” mental health problems in that demographic compared with older adults, including a stark male-female divide.

While the multi-generational analysis cannot say why those around the age of 30 have suffered worst during the pandemic, it correlates with other research showing that the age-group has borne the biggest share of economic pain.

Poor mental health in lockdown was most common among the 19-year-olds surveyed, followed by the 30-year-old millennials. Just over one third of women and just under one quarter of men aged 19 had symptoms of depression in May, while 45 per cent of women and 42 per cent of men had felt lonely during this time.

Among millennials aged 30, 20 per cent of women and 14 per cent of men showed signs of depression and just over one third of women and one quar- ter of men experienced loneliness.

In comparison, seven per cent of 62-year-old men and 10 per cent of same-aged women had symptoms of depression. Women aged 30 experienced the biggest increase in mental health problems. during lockdown., compared to adults aged 50 and 62.

They found a “significant increase” in levels of poor mental health during lockdown compared to when this group was last surveyed, at age 25.

Mental health problems tend to increase on average between these ages, but researchers believe they have been exacerbated by the lockdown this year.

Prof Emla Fitzsimons said: “This is a generation that has suffered quite severely during the lockdown. They will be feeling the effects of the pandemic for years to come.”

She added: “This change in mental health between age 25 and 30 will reflect change that may naturally occur at this stage of life, as well as change attributable to the pandemic. However, this finding chimes with other studies which have also shown that young women have experienced the largest increase in mental health problems due to Covid-19.”

Co-author Dr Praveetha Patalay added: “Our findings clearly highlight high levels of difficulties being experienced by young people aged 19 and 30, especially young women.

“More needs to be done to support these age groups and limit the impact of the pandemic on their future health and well-being.”