UN Study Says Half of Youth Population Subject to Depression Due to COVID 19: Women Most Vulnerable

We all are gripped amidst a pandemic that seems to have no end. Remaining indoors, maintaining distance is the new normal, but the closer we look, the darker the reality appears to be. A recent survey conducted by the International Labour organization gives out details of nearly half the global youth population being gripped in anxiety, stress and depression because of the looming uncertainties that COVID 19 has unleashed.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives," the report says, further stating that the effect of the pandemic is much higher on young people and that “the social and economic integration of young people was an ongoing challenge. Now, unless urgent action is taken, young people are likely to suffer severe and long-lasting impacts from the pandemic.”

Key Highlight

• UN Study shows increasing number of youth under depression and anxiety due to COVID 19

• It says, "one in two young people may be subjected to anxiety or depression"

• Those out of college, or have lost their jobs are more vulnerable

"Youth and COVID-19: impacts on jobs, education, rights and mental well-being” report by the ILO states, "Severe disruption to learning and working, compounded by the health crisis, has seen a deterioration in young people’s mental well-being.” From its 12,000 respondents spanning over 112 countries, the survey found young people aged 18 to 24 are more adverse to anxiety and/or depression. Young women are 7 per cent more likely to show signs of depression than young men. well-being is at the lowest."

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said “The pandemic is inflicting multiple shocks on young people. It is not only destroying their jobs and employment prospects but also disrupting their education and training and having a serious impact on their mental well-being.”

Feature Image Credit: Business Standard

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