COVID lockdowns had mental health effects on youth — study

Lena, who is 21 and asked that her real name not be used, is hesitant to talk about Germany's lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which for a time also saw schools close nationwide. Like many people her age, she doesn't want to be reminded of that time.

She is currently studying in southern Germany. She had always wanted to be a teacher, but not anymore, she told DW. She was a good student, back then, when she still enjoyed school — before the pandemic.

"It totally stole our lives," said Lena. "We couldn't see our friends anymore. Everyone was just glued to their phones." Instead of playing volleyball like before, all she could do was just "binge-watch series. What else?"

Eventually, online teaching became available, but the lessons were stressful. "Besides, school isn't just about learning. Nobody cared about us! We were completely lost!" she added.

Lena has since moved past this frustrating time in her life. But some of her former classmates and acquaintances have become a bit "weird or cringe," in her opinion.

Isolation, loneliness and helplessness

Most young adults experienced the COVID-19-related shutdowns in a similar way. This finding is supported by long-term studies in which Sabine Andresen, the president of the Federal Association of the Child Protection Association in Germany, played a leading role.

Andresen said many young people complained that their concerns had been ignored. "We are not seen, we are not heard. Our interests, rights and needs are given lower priority in difficult decisions," explained Andresen, an expert in youth studies.

"This is about feelings of loneliness and helplessness, and the experience of suddenly being ejected from everyday life, without knowing, 'What is being taken from me? How can I shape my future?' Young people care about their future plans, too," she told the Protestant Press Service, epd, on March 3.

Young people suffer anxiety, depression and cognitive difficulties

Darina Falbova, an anthropologist at Comenius University in Bratislava, conducted a study on Slovak adolescents to identify the most common long-term physical and mental consequences of the COVID lockdowns.

"According to the study, school closures, contact restrictions and curfews significantly contributed to the rise in psychological problems among young people," said Falbova.

The "most common long-term symptoms include memory weakness, concentration problems, difficulties solving problems and finding the right words."

These symptoms are much more prevalent in women. "Physical symptoms such as reduced physical performance and headaches were also frequently reported," she told DW.

Other studies show that many adolescents are still suffering from eating disorders, anxiety and depression five years after the lockdowns.

The lifestyle changes associated with the lockdowns — increased screen time, reduced physical activity and sleep disorders — have also negatively affected mental and physical health. Women also reported irregularities in their menstrual cycles, which could be related to stress and hormonal changes post-COVID-19, according to the expert.

Additional burden on already stressed age group

Even before 2020, psychological problems were prevalent in teenagers and young adults. Academic pressure, social media, climate anxiety and economic uncertainty had already led to increasing rates of depression and anxiety, according to Falbova.

The pandemic exacerbated existing conditions and introduced new symptoms. Studies showed that anxiety, depression and cognitive difficulties significantly increased among young people.

During and after the pandemic, the concerns and problems of young people were often not taken seriously enough.

Young people received less attention because they were considered to have a "lower risk of severe COVID illness, while the broader impacts on their mental health, education and long-term development were overlooked," said Falbova.

Lessons for next pandemic

The evaluation of pandemic regulations in science, society and politics is far from complete, but in hindsight, some lockdown measures were excessive.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that while protecting public health is crucial, the long-term consequences for the younger generation were often overlooked. One of the most important lessons is that mental health should be as important as physical health," said Falbova.

In the event of another pandemic, "society and politicians must adopt a more balanced and considerate approach for children and adolescents," she added.

"In future health crises, policymakers must find ways to enable safe social contacts — whether through outdoor activities, support groups or carefully structured community programs," she said.

This article was originally written in German.