In the first months of the pandemic, the highest level of symptoms of depression and anxiety was manifested by people aged 18-24, while in December 2020, depression most often affected people aged 35-4, according to research conducted by scientists from the University of Warsaw. People under 45, experiencing professional difficulties and family conflicts, as well as parents who are increasingly tired of combining remote work and childcare, are most exposed to further worsening of depression.

"It is especially important to provide psychological support to children, adolescents, and entire families. The severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety is higher during a pandemic, but especially at certain times, especially during periods of increased restrictions, greater restrictions, but also at times of increased infections," Małgorzata Gambin, Ph.D., DSc, the coordinator of the research group ‘Psychological aspects of the pandemic’ from the University of Warsaw, explained.

"We saw that the level of depression symptoms in society decreased last summer, so we can hope that a large part of the population will adapt to this situation and the changes that follow during the summer," she added.

The report on the study "Depression, anxiety and pandemic" conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Warsaw in 2020 showed that the respondents showed the highest intensity of symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety in May and December last year, while the lowest – in July 2020. In December, 29 percent of women and 24 percent of men were at risk of clinical severity of depression. 

"The level of well-being was changing dynamically also in individual age groups. At the beginning of the pandemic, in spring, young people aged 18-24 responded with the highest level of anxiety and depression. Later, in December, people aged 35-44 showed the highest level of symptoms of depression This was especially true for parents who were already tired of the prolonged time of combining remote work with childcare," an expert from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw said.

(Newseria)