Title: Young Adults’ Pandemic Mental Health Risks - The New York Times
Headings: Young Adults’ Pandemic Mental Health Risks
The Coronavirus Outbreak
Young Adults’ Pandemic Mental Health Risks
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Content: This combination of uncertainty about their personal future and worry about the larger future can leave some people without much sense of hope or promise about what is coming next. “ Hopelessness is one of the big drivers of suicide,” Dr. Vinson said. “ It’s normally not about wanting to be dead; it’s about not wanting to live like this, whatever this is.” In addition, Dr. Vinson said, suicide risk can be related to impulsiveness, and “we know people will often act more impulsively if they are using substances, which exacerbate mental health issues.” Parents — or friends or family members — who are worried about young adults or adolescents should check in on them, ask how they’re doing, and should not worry that by asking about depression, mental health or suicide they are creating or exacerbating the problem. “The most helpful thing you can do for somebody who might be struggling is ask them,” Dr. Lai said. “ Parents often don’t have as good a sense as they think they might of how their child is doing.” Parents can also help by encouraging young adults to find safe ways to stay connected. Even people who are physically apart, Ms. Lane said, can “stay socially connected, checking in with friends and family often to talk about these concerns.”