Young adults in the United States participated in a loneliness study.
A new national survey examining how the COVID-19 The pandemic has affected the loneliness of young US adults, showing “significant depressive symptoms” in 80% of participants.
Over 1,000 Americans aged 18 to 35 took part in the anonymous online questionnaire, in which subjects were also asked to report about their anxiety and substance use.
The analyzed results were published in the peer review Journal of Psychoactive Drugsshow that “alarming” degrees of loneliness are associated with considerable psychological problems, as around 61% of those surveyed reported moderate (45%) to severe (17%) anxiety.
Meanwhile, 30% of those surveyed said they drink harmful amounts of alcohol. And although only 22% of respondents said they used drugs, 38% said they used drugs hard.
Therefore, responding to mental health care is “essential,” according to lead author Professor Viviana Horigian of the University of Miami.
“The convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loneliness and addiction epidemics in the US will continue,” she said.
“These young adults are the future of our nation’s social fabric. They need to have access to psychological help, coupled with the development and dissemination of short, contact-based online interventions that promote healthy lifestyles.
“Treating mental health and substance problems in young adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is a must.”
And co-author Renae Schmidt adds: “If we invest in developing the sense of togetherness and social connectedness in these generations, we can address the social and physical resilience of our communities as a whole.
“Students must have a sustainable online delivery of [relevant] Coursework, extension of counseling services and provision of contacts through telehealth services. For young adults who do not go to school, aggressive patient approach by general practitioners should be used to ensure screening and intervention via telemedicine. Access to psychological help linked to the development and dissemination of short, contact-based online interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle. ”
The 126-item online survey was conducted between April 22nd and May 11th. 1,008 participants attended, with an average age of 28 and 86% over 23 years.
Every symptom (loneliness, anxiety, depression, alcohol consumption, drug consumption) was measured using internationally recognized rating systems.
To examine the links between loneliness and the mental illnesses highlighted, the researchers used a model that examined the direct effects of loneliness and social connectedness on depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use. They also examined the indirect effects of loneliness and social connectedness on alcohol and drug use in anxiety and depression. In addition, they characterized relationships in behavior before and after COVID as well as in psychosocial symptoms.
The results show that most of the participants who reported increases in feelings of loneliness also saw increases in alcohol use (58%), drug use (56%), anxiety (76%), and depression (78%) as well a decrease in feelings reported connectedness (58%).
Looking at the general increase in mental health problems or substance use due to the pandemic, most of the problems were rated as increasing by the participants. Feelings of loneliness increased by 65%, lack of connectedness by 53%, alcohol use by 48%, and drug use by 44%%, anxiety 62% and depression 64%.
Overall, an “alarming” 49% of those surveyed stated a high level of loneliness.
Most of the respondents (80%) reported drinking alcohol, 30% reported harmful and dependent amounts of alcohol. 19% of the respondents said they had binge drinking at least once a week, and 44% said they had binge drinking at least once a month.
The team hopes the results will now serve as a guide to the intervention effort.
“Social prescribing, which relies on and promotes the use of community resources, also promises to improve social and psychological well-being,” adds Professor Horigian.
“This could be positioned then to promote service to others and bring social comfort and reward in connecting with others in need.
“These and other efforts can help alleviate the problems of loneliness and its manifestations. However, an integrated, multi-faceted and concerted approach, rooted and supported by mental health prevention and wellbeing promoted by workforce development and research into intervention development, may be needed to reorient these avenues. ”
Reference: “Loneliness, Mental Health, and Substance Use Among Young Adults in the US During COVID-19” by Dr. Viviana E. Horigian, MHA, Dr. Renae D. Schmidt, MPH, and Dr. Daniel J. Feaster, October 28, 2020, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
DOI: 10.1080 / 02791072.2020.1836435
This study was funded by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at the University of Miami.
