A new poll has found the coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the mental health of young adults in the United States.
The latest COVID Response Tracking Study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago found those between 18 and 34 were more likely to report negative feelings or experience stress-related symptoms like trouble sleeping than any other age group. Besides starting their adult lives during the pandemic, they are also dealing with a recession as they navigate life transitions like starting college or finding jobs without being able to experience normal social activities. The study also found younger Americans consistently show higher rates of psychosomatic symptoms, including headaches, insomnia and crying, compared to other age groups. Constant exposure to social media also factored into negative feelings and anxiety. More than half of the 18-34 year olds surveyed said they felt overwhelmed to the point of not being able to have control in their lives.