The Impact of COVID-19 on Young Adults: More than Fear Of Missing Out (“FOMO”)
We may find that young people (particularly between the ages of 18-24) are more emotionally impacted by COVID-19 than other age groups due to their pivotal point in life and development. As adults, we have typically already chosen our career paths, learned how to balance budgets, formed close friendships, found our place within communities, and so on. For young people, these life milestones may feel more overwhelming during the pandemic.
As adults, there is no other time in our lives when we will have as many life transitions in such a short period of time; i.e. transitioning from high school to college to work to independent living, etc. All of these transitions are major and none of them can be replaced. For instance, you can't replace your senior year of high school or college. Lifecycle events are important in terms of forming long-term positive memories, and for many young adults, these events are either not happening, or they’re happening in unstructured ways that give way for the greater likelihood of negative responses.
During these formative years, connecting to peer groups and learning how to live independently should be the focus. Some young people may feel like they are "missing out” if their college or university has only virtual learning. Incoming college freshmen may feel more isolated than older students, and can lean on those relationships and peer groups. High school seniors may feel as if they are missing out on their idyllic last year, i.e. prom and graduation. These pandemic-oriented social and work/school experiences can leave young people feeling disconnected from close friends and peers.
This group of individuals may also feel developmentally stunted, as many are living at home with their parents at a time when they should be living independently, and therefore, tensions may arise.
Similarly, young adults who are just adjusting to living on their own may feel disconnected as they don’t have the opportunity to meet new peers at work, and they have more limited dating experiences and social events. Most young people are not having those vital social experiences, which typically help to temper the stress of work and school. They worry about how long all of this will last and when things will return to normal.
All of these challenges can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression, isolation, and loneliness.
In regard to the long-term mental health impact, studies have shown that the greatest contributor to suicidal ideation in all age groups is loneliness. While community and a sense of belonging is so important to all of us, young adults may take on this loss further and translate it to feeling that they "don’t belong" in a greater sense.
It is important to note that often we see the highest rates of anxiety and depression in this age group due to all of the transitions, but also due to brain development. The frontal cortex is not fully formed until age 26. This part of the brain assists with concrete thinking which leads to strategic thinking and impulse control. Young adults tend to be more prone to heightened emotions because of continued brain development, which can predispose them to coping with difficult emotions through risky behavior seeking. Helping young people to identify more positive coping mechanisms such as exercise, talk therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, can help to turn a difficult situation into a successful mastery of mental health management.
Part of the importance of this time period overall is learning how to master independence through new experiences and life challenges. Helping young people to develop better coping skills and adaptations can lead to resilience and feeling capable and competent; the development of the "if I can make it through this, I will be OK" mentality. Learning how to cope and thrive through difficult experiences is a hallmark of young adulthood and can lead to enhanced self-esteem and confidence in their capabilities.
While positive coping mechanisms are key, if you are concerned about a young adult’s mental health, here are some warning signs of shifts in behavior that may indicate them experiencing clinical anxiety and depression: higher rates of irritability and negative thinking, tearfulness, changes in hygiene, difficulties organizing their day, withdrawing from relationships, a lack of interest in activities they enjoyed, withdrawing from school or work, sleep pattern changes (sleeping more or sleeping less due to anxiety or intrusive thoughts), the increase use of drugs and alcohol to cope, etc.
If you are looking to help a loved one in such a situation, don’t be afraid to talk them. Check in with them and have the conversation. Often, we feel uncomfortable or intrusive by asking emotional questions, but asking someone else how they are doing shows that you care. Ask specific questions, such as: how are you feeling about your semester at home; are you connecting to your friends online; what has been occupying your thoughts most often these days, etc.
Young adult resources:
Anxiety Disorders
Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder
National Center for PTSD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Mayo Clinic
International OCD Foundation
Calm Clinic
Associations & Institutes
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
American Counseling Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association
Association for Psychological Science
Canadian Mental Health Association
Center for Mental Health Resources
National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health America
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Depression
Bipolar Disorder News - Pendulum.org
Depression and How Therapy Can Help
Depression Screening
Depression Test, Symptoms of Depression, Signs of Depression
Journals & Magazines
ADHD Report
Anxiety, Stress and Coping
Childhood
Depression and Anxiety
Drug and Alcohol Review
Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Loss, Grief & Care
Psychology Today
Stress and Health
Substance Abuse
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
Suicide Awareness and Hotlines
SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Suicide: Read This First
In terms of other resources for young adults, therapy and psychiatric evaluations are recommended. Suicidal ideation is untreated depression, and an individual must be evaluated by a trained mental health professional. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be a valuable resource to connect individuals to help in their area. Please call (800) 273 8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
