Source: asiainsurancereview.com

In the US, about 60% of young adults lost their jobs or lived with someone who did since the outbreak of the pandemic and nearly 40% expected to lose their job in the next month – shining the spotlight on health insurance policies for this group.

According to a new survey published in the Journal of Adolescent Health on November 2020 young adults were also more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression such as lack of interest, nervousness or uncontrollable worry. The researchers analysed data of 5,000 young American adults and the study was conducted between 15 and 30 June 2020. It tracked the mental health status of the participating young adults beginning from 13 March 2020. The researchers said these trends should raise flags for mental health professionals and policymakers as the pandemic worsens by the day.

University of Toronto faculty of social work assistant professor and lead author of the study Dr Kyle Ganson said, “Policymakers need to consider the long-term scarring that may occur as a result of both employment losses and poor mental health.” Dr Ganson also said, “We need to ensure that health insurance policies adequately cover mental health services for young adults. Most young adults are capable of dodging a severe case of COVID-19 but they are not as lucky when it comes to employment and mental health during a pandemic.”

Senior author of the study Dr Jason Nagata said, “Young adults are especially affected by employment loss since they are just starting their careers. Internships have been cancelled and employment offers have been rescinded during the pandemic.” The combination of living through the uncertainty of a global pandemic and the subsequent economic and employment hardships may be particularly burdensome on the mental health of young adults.