NPR

Why Some Young People Fear Social Isolation More Than COVID-19

It's not that young adults aren't worried about the pandemic, psychologists say, but they are at far greater risk of dying by suicide. Finding ways beyond screens to foster social bonds is crucial.
Youth from across Philadelphia gathered in front of City Hall June 9 to protest police brutality and voice their concerns and vision for the future. According to recent research cited by the CDC, nearly half of all Americans between 18 and 29 report symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Audrey just turned 18 and relishes crossing into adulthood: She voted for the first time this year, graduated high school, and is college-bound next month. The honors student typically wakes up "a bundle of nerves," she says, which has fueled her work volunteering, playing varsity sports, and leading student government.

But for years, she also struggled with anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder — all of which drove her to work harder.

"I was spending so much time on my homework, I felt like

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