News Update

Young people continue to experience high levels of anxiety, depression

Even as the pandemic ebbs, young people in California reported persistently high levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A survey of 800 Californians ages 18-24 conducted by the California Endowment found that 86% worried about the high cost of housing and college, shortage of well-paying jobs, homelessness, substance abuse and dearth of affordable health care.

In addition, almost half said they had difficulties accessing mental health services.

“If we compare this to what we get when we talk to [older] adults, we don’t see the same breadth and intensity of concern about this wide range of issues,” said David Metz, a pollster who worked on the survey. “I think that says something about the burdens that young people are feeling.”

 

EdSource receives funding from several foundations, including the California Endowment. EdSource maintains sole editorial control over the content of its coverage.