New research finds millions of young people in the UK continue to suffer from mental health issues, social isolation, and career setbacks five years after the pandemic.
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities across England and Wales to close, new research reveals that millions of young adults are still grappling with its long-term effects on their mental health, social lives, and careers.
A study commissioned by Clinical Partners, a leading mental health service provider, surveyed 2,000 young adults who were in secondary school or higher education during the pandemic, as well as their parents. The findings suggest that approximately 2.3 million 18–25-year-olds in the UK have experienced a decline in their mental health since COVID-19.
Worsening Mental Health
Nearly four in ten (37%) young adults believe their mental health has deteriorated since the pandemic, a concern echoed by 32% of parents. Anxiety, stress, and depression are now widespread, with 43% of young women and 24% of young men reporting these issues.
For many, these struggles are new. Around 22% of 18–25-year-olds say they had no previous experience of mental health problems before the lockdowns. The research also highlights a trend of social withdrawal, particularly among young women, with 37% admitting they now spend time alone to manage their mental health.
One respondent, Darcy, 19, from Bournemouth, described how lockdown intensified her existing depression:
“I always struggled with depression, but lockdown made it worse. I lost touch with friends and became scared of leaving the house. Online learning was difficult – I couldn’t engage with teachers, and I didn’t feel I could ask for help. Since then, I’ve found it hard to hold down a job or build friendships. I still feel isolated and often wonder where I’d be if COVID hadn’t happened.”
Career and Social Challenges
The impact of the pandemic extends beyond mental health. Half of young adults (51%) say they feel more anxious in professional settings, while 40% believe the pandemic has held back their career progression. Nearly 38% feel their pandemic-era qualifications are undervalued by employers.
Socially, 31% say their social life has diminished since COVID, and 23% feel disconnected from the person they were before the pandemic. 22% still reflect on key life experiences they missed out on.
Barriers to Support
Despite the challenges, access to mental health support remains a problem. Only 15% of young adults have sought therapy, with the biggest barriers being:
- Long waiting times (30%)
- Fear of judgement (28%)
- Uncertainty about where to turn (20%)
Some young people have turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, with 19% reporting an increase in smoking or vaping and 10% using alcohol to manage their struggles.
Call for Better Support
Dr Andrea Pickering, Clinical Director of Psychological Therapy at Clinical Partners, warns that many young people feel unable to seek help:
“We are seeing a generation struggling to move forward, yet many don’t know where to turn. Long waiting lists, stigma, and lack of accessible services leave young people suffering in silence. Mental health support must be prioritised to ensure they get the help they need.”
Parents have also struggled, with 58% finding it difficult to support their child’s transition back to normal life. Nearly one in four (24%) say their own mental health has been negatively affected since the pandemic.
Dr Pickering emphasises the need for a collective response:
“The impact of the pandemic on young people is a national concern. Professional services, charities, schools, universities, and workplaces all have a role to play in making mental health support more visible and accessible. No one should face these challenges alone.”
For more information, visit www.clinical-partners.co.uk.