14.6%.
It’s the percentage of young Americans in the 18-25 years old age group suffering from anxiety right now. This figure doubled since 2008.
Anxiety is increasing most rapidly (and consistently among sociodemographic groups) for those in the 18-25 age group with some college education.
But that’s not the full story.
25%.
Of young Americans aged 18-24 years, 1 in 4 reported they have seriously considered suicide this June.
Suicide thoughts was significantly higher among Hispanics, Blacks, and essential workers (who’re mostly minorities).
Brace for the Pandemic-of-Pessimism.
Young adults, on the cusp of launching working lives, are affected the most from anxiety-provoking world trends and events, particularly higher uncertainty over securing work and skills, and — most recently — the impact of Covid.
The potential impact is horrible.
Imagine the consequences if 25% of this age group remains unskilled, unemployed, unproductive — and disconnected from society!
The cumulative negative effect on these individuals, their families, their communities, and the economy at large is worse than Covid’s.
True, this crisis started before Covid.
But, as with other matters, it’s been made far worse.
The Future?
Securing a decent future for people and societies depends crucially on our ability to innovate and solve a broad range of critical problems. Education, skilling, work, and livelihoods are key such problems.
The true silver lining, though, is these young individuals are the solution.
Connect with us to stay on top of what’s shaping the future.