The older age group (60+) is at greater risk of serious illness and death when they contract COVID-19. In order to address this, several regions are distributing vaccines according to age, with older adults receiving priority.
Mental health impacts of the pandemic by age
The pandemic will likely continue to impact mental health in our society long after COVID-19. Our team of clinical psychologists, trauma researchers, and public health experts is interested in understanding the mental health risks and resilience factors that will be present during COVID-19. Early evidence suggests that, from a mental health perspective, the age trends have been inverted. Younger people are more at risk for poor mental outcomes.
In our recent study, published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, we examined early anxiety symptoms that occurred during the pandemic. This trend was seen in close to 50,000 Canadians of various age groups.
The anxiety levels were clinically significant in 36 percent of Canadians aged 15-34, 27.1% of Canadians aged 35-54, and 14.5 percent of Canadians 55 and older. The younger people had higher COVID-19 anxiety than older groups.
Other studies have shown similar early trends in age-related differences in mental health symptoms, including COVID-19-specific studies as well as pre-COVID-19 studies. Our previous research showed that older adults had lower rates of mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
According to one theory, older adults possess advanced cognitive and behavioral strengths that allow them greater emotional regulation. The development of these strengths is a result of age-related shifts in perspective.
This viewpoint suggests that older adults have developed an “antibody” to COVID-19’s mental health effects. However, despite the apparent strength of older groups, cognitive symptoms are higher across all age groups compared to times before COVID.
Pandemic mental health ‘vaccination’
We must consider the mental health impact of pandemics, just as we did when developing the vaccine that would reduce the physical effects. What would a “mental health vaccine” look like? According to the research on collective or mass traumas (traumas that affect large groups of individuals), secondary prevention is best.
Mental health is important for all ages but can be particularly critical in young people. (Canva)
In secondary prevention, the goal is to reduce the severity of the effects when a disease has already begun. It is preventing the disease from getting worse. This would include addressing mental health symptoms as early as possible to reduce long-term consequences.
Early Intervention Research suggests cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) can be particularly effective in reducing the risk of worsened mental issues. For those who show early elevated symptoms, it may be appropriate for a “CBT vaccine” to be implemented. In this case, young people would be the high-risk group that should be targeted for prevention.
There is a higher rate of anxiety in younger people. There is also preliminary evidence that suggests that younger people with mental health problems may suffer worse outcomes than older individuals.
We know that mental health issues, particularly those with a long history, can affect the quality of life, physical health, and daily functioning and even cause illness and death in people of all ages. Long-term issues can lead to loss of employment, and they are expensive for our healthcare system.
Mental health is a concern for all ages, but it may be more important among younger people. If we want to control the pandemic, we need to make similar efforts to develop a mental health “vaccine” which is widely available.
Unfortunately, receiving scientifically-supported treatments from a qualified mental healthcare professional is an expensive luxury. It is difficult to get services, especially at this time of increased need. We must invest in mental health professionals long-term to meet the needs of the population.
Initial dosage is digital
A good starting point, due to the shortage of qualified mental health professionals who have scientific support for their programs, may be to provide widely accessible online CBT. This would remove the need to make difficult decisions about prioritizing care.
Online CBT programs that are scientifically supported can be a good way to begin addressing the mental health concerns of young people. (Canva)
There is confusion about the available resources, even though people are aware of the need for mental support. The uptake of publicly-funded online mental health programs has been moderate to low in a nationally representative Canadian study that was conducted in May, two percent reported using virtual resources for mental health.
The duration and frequency with which these programs can be used are also restricted. There is little information available on how they may help reduce mental symptoms and who would benefit most. Internet- or appbased CBT programs vary widely in terms of their content, engagement level, and effectiveness. The authors of a publication on the digital advances in mental health accurately stated:
