Young people suffer

Norwegian survey shows impact of pandemic on teen mental health

Photo: Erwin Wodicka / Colourbox
Young people are at a particularly high risk for mental health issues during the pandemic.

NTB

For the first time, mental health issues are part of the questions in the Norwegian Directorate of Health’s population survey, according to the newspaper VG. Adolescents, in particular, show signs of deteriorating mental health during the pandemic.

Between the ages of 16 and 24, as many as 51% of youth state that they have had poorer mental health during the time of the coronavirus. In the age group 25–34, the proportion is 47%, the survey shows.

The Directorate of Health sees an increase in the extent and severity of mental illness in children and young people. They also see indications that many are exposed to violence, abuse, and negative social interaction.

Linda Granlund, division director at the Public Health Department of the Norwegian Directorate of Health, tells VG that it is too early to say what the consequences will be in the long run, but that they must plan for different scenarios.

“We know that we will see different repercussions and consequences of the pandemic for a long time,” Granlund said, while emphasizing that the results are only a snapshot and not the result of research.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health’s population survey, conducted by Mindshare, has been conducted weekly since the beginning of February 2020.

Translated by Lori Ann Reinhall

This article originally appeared in the April 9, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American.