Trend Magazine
America's Age of Anxiety
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. teenagers were worried about their mental health. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that 70% of teenagers said anxiety and depression were major problems for people their age—topping a list of concerns that also included bullying, drugs, alcohol, poverty, and teen pregnancy. The pandemic has only intensified the discussion around Americans and mental health.
At Least Four in 10 U.S. Adults (41%) Have Experienced High Levels of Psychological Distress at Some Point During the Pandemic, According to Four Pew Research Center Surveys Conducted Between March 2020 and September 2022.
Roughly three in 10 (28%) parents of teens told Pew Research Center in 2022 that they are extremely or very worried that their teen’s use of social media could lead to problems with anxiety or depression and a similar percentage (27%) said it could lead to lower self-esteem.
Four in 10 U.S. parents told Pew Research Center in 2022 that they’re extremely or very worried about their children struggling with anxiety or depression.
More than a third of high school students—37%—reported mental health challenges during the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parents told Pew Research Center that the first year of the pandemic affected their children’s emotional health.
