Study Reveals Lasting Mental Health Impact of Pandemic on Younger Generations

Research shows younger people in Germany have struggled more with mental health recovery post-COVID-19 compared to older age groups and past crises.

A study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) highlights that individuals under 50 experienced a sharper decline in mental health during the pandemic than older adults.
Younger generations have not fully recovered from the psychological strain of COVID-19 restrictions, unlike their recovery after the 2008 financial crisis.
The study attributes ongoing mental health challenges to compounded crises, including the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and economic uncertainties.
Psychological health issues are increasingly linked to rising absenteeism in the workplace, with experts urging destigmatization and better mental health support in professional settings.
Employers are encouraged to adopt measures such as flexible work arrangements and accessible mental health resources to support employee well-being.