As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, young people are among those most deeply affected—not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. While the virus primarily threatens older populations in terms of health, it is the youth who face a quieter, more invisible crisis: a widespread deterioration in mental health.

School closures, social distancing, and lockdowns disrupt daily routines and cut young people off from critical support systems. With educational institutions shut down, students miss not only academic instruction but also the social interactions and sense of structure that school provides. For many, home is not a safe or stable environment, and school serves as a refuge. The sudden removal of this safe space creates anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation.

Social connections are essential during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood—a period of intense emotional development. Physical distancing, while necessary, leads to emotional distancing for many young people who feel cut off from friends and mentors. Even with digital alternatives like video calls and social media, the lack of in-person connection often fuels feelings of loneliness and depression.

Moreover, economic instability heightens stress. Many families are experiencing job losses, food insecurity, or the threat of eviction. Young people absorb these anxieties, either directly if they are working themselves, or indirectly through the stress experienced by their parents. Plans for the future—whether graduating, going to college, or starting a career—feel increasingly uncertain, compounding fears about what lies ahead.

Mental health services, already under strain before the pandemic, are struggling to meet demand. While some support moves online, not all youth have access to the necessary technology or private spaces to engage in therapy or counseling. As a result, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma often go unaddressed.

The COVID-19 pandemic does not only present a public health crisis—it exposes and intensifies a mental health crisis among the youth. Addressing this will require coordinated efforts to expand mental health services, create safe spaces for expression, and acknowledge the unique challenges this generation faces in a world turned upside down.