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Young Adults Face Daily Anxiety Surge
26 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 20% of young adults reported daily anxiety in 2024.
- Anxiety diagnoses and prescriptions saw a one-third increase.
- Pandemic stress is a potential cause for the anxiety increase.
Anxiety has become a pervasive issue for young adults in the United States, with nearly 20% reporting daily struggles in 2024. This marks an increase from 15% in 2020. The trend is mirrored in medical statistics, as anxiety diagnoses rose by over 23% and prescriptions for anxiety medication increased by more than 13% during the same period.
Researchers believe the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant factor. The period from the pandemic's onset through its declared end as a global threat was characterized by numerous stressors. These included isolation, financial uncertainty, and disruptions to major life transitions, such as starting college or entering the workforce.
Certain demographic groups within the young adult population face disproportionately higher rates of anxiety. For instance, nearly half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults reported an anxiety diagnosis, compared to 19% of heterosexual peers. Women also reported higher rates of anxiety diagnoses and medication use than men. Hispanic LGBTQ+ young adults showed a particularly high likelihood of using anxiety medication compared to their heterosexual Hispanic peers.
