I Only Focus on Short-Term
- Health professionals warned from the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis that a bomb with delay had struck the youth.
- Since the epidemic wave receded, another has risen: psychological disorders particularly affecting the COVID generation.
- What happened in the five years following the confinement?
Health professionals warned from the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis that a
bomb with delay
had struck the youth. A young generation was damaged
by isolation, adn the consequences woudl be felt long term.
Since the epidemic wave receded, another has risen: psychological disorders
particularly affecting the COVID generation.
An epidemiologist
studying student mental health noted that
This moment of upheaval arose at a crucial stage in their psychic
construction, and that left traces.
What happened in the five years following the confinement? Young peopel
interviewed during the pandemic were contacted to recount their journeys since
March 2020. For some, it was a parenthesis
; for others, a
hinge step
— for all, a moment that changed their understanding of
the world and their desires for the future.
The consequences are most visible in psychic health. According to a
researcher, The strong degradation of the mental health of young people
A 2024 study indicated that 41% of
has remained even at a distance from the crisis, and we have not returned to
the figures before the epidemic.
students experienced depressed symptoms,compared to 26% before the health
crisis. Among those aged 12-25, consumption of psychotropic drugs,
particularly antidepressants, has increased by 18% as 2019, according to
health insurance data.
The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Young People: A Q&A
Table of Contents
- The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Young People: A Q&A
- What were the initial warnings about the pandemic’s impact on youth?
- What psychological effects have emerged in the “COVID generation”?
- How has the pandemic affected young people’s perceptions?
- What are the visible effects on mental health post-pandemic?
- Are there any statistics that can help quantify the mental health struggles post-COVID-19?
- Summary of Mental Health Impacts
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, notably for young people. This Q&A explores the long-term consequences of the pandemic on youth mental health and well-being.
What were the initial warnings about the pandemic’s impact on youth?
Health professionals quickly recognized that the pandemic would have long-term effects on the younger generation. Early warnings described the situation as a “bomb with delay”, predicting lasting damage from isolation and upheaval.
What psychological effects have emerged in the “COVID generation”?
As the peak of the pandemic, a rise in psychological disorders has become apparent, especially among those who experienced their formative years during the crisis, frequently enough referred to as the “COVID generation”. As an epidemiologist studying student well-being noted, “This moment of upheaval arose at a crucial stage in their psychic construction, and that left traces.”
How has the pandemic affected young people’s perceptions?
The period following confinement served as both a “parenthesis” and a “hinge step” for many young people. This moment changed their understanding of the world and their aspirations for the future.
What are the visible effects on mental health post-pandemic?
The effects are most evident in the deterioration of mental health. One researcher noted that “The strong degradation of the mental health of young people has remained even at a distance from the crisis,and we have not returned to the figures before the epidemic.”
Are there any statistics that can help quantify the mental health struggles post-COVID-19?
Yes, there are. A 2024 study revealed a significant increase in mental health challenges among students:
Depressive Symptoms: 41% of students experienced depressive symptoms, compared to 26% before the health crisis.
Psychotropic Drug Use: Consumption of psychotropic drugs, especially antidepressants, increased by 18% from 2019 among those aged 12-25, according to health insurance data.
Summary of Mental Health Impacts
| Impact | Statistic | Source |
| :—————————– | :———————————– | :—————————————- |
| Depressive Symptoms (Students) | 41% (vs. 26% pre-crisis) | 2024 study |
| Psychotropic Drug Use (12-25) | +18% since 2019 (antidepressants) | Health insurance data |