Mental Health of Adolescents Post-Pandemic
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial lockdowns were first perceived as a temporary disruption. Many of us believed it would be a brief period of heightened awareness, but that life would soon return to normal. Among healthcare professionals who had experienced prior outbreaks such as SARS, there was a sense of deja-vu. There was an awareness of a potential crisis, but the reassurance that it would be short-lived. However, with each successive wave, we encountered more death, increased loss, and prolonged isolation. What initially began as a prolonged March break where we relished time for reconnection and a break from routine became a prolonged period of uncertainty, anxiety, and little access to resources.
While adults struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances, children and adolescents face even greater challenges. Youth rely heavily on peer interaction and school-based social networks for identity development, and psychological support. School closures and physical distancing measures disrupt networks that teenagers rely on, disproportionately affecting adolescents and teenagers. As a result, mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidality, increased among youth populations (Geoffroy et al., 2024).
Only in the years following the pandemic has a clearer understanding emerged regarding the relationship between COVID-19 related disruptions and the rise in mental health concerns. Research on this is now emerging; however, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have demonstrated a significant increase in mental health symptoms during and after the pandemic. Geoffroy et al (2024) found increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among youth during the pandemic, highlighting the widespread psychological impact of the pandemic. Geoffry et al., 2024.
School closures and the transition to remote learning were key contributors to declining youth mental health. Students were expected to work independently, often without adequate access to teachers, guidance counselors, or tutors. For many families, especially those with limited financial resources, the lack of reliable internet access or appropriate devices further heightened academic stress. These challenges disproportionally affected students from low-income households, increasing pressure and exacerbating mental health difficulties (Geoffroy et al., 2024).
Felix and Green (2025) emphasized that school closures and loss of structured learning environments had significant impacts on youth mental health. Early evidence suggested that pandemic-related disruptions intensified pre-existing inequities, particularly for marginalized communities. A meta-analysis cited by Felix and Green revealed a significant global decline in academic achievement during the pandemic, highlighting the relationship between educational disruption and psychological distress
International research mirrors Canadian studies. In Finland, studies of secondary school students aged 13-20 demonstrated that rates of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression increased from pre-pandemic levels and remained elevated in 2023 (Felix & Grre, 2025). Overall mental well-being declined even after the resumption of in-person school. Eating disorders were also noted to increase among girls and younger boys, while suicidality increased among girls (Felix & Green, 2025).
Canadian trends showed that mental health symptoms were highest at the beginning of the pandemic, decreased over time, and then rose again following the resumption of in-person learning (Felix & Green, 2025). Marginalized youth were particularity at risk. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC, 2020), groups at heightened risk included Indigenous youth, racialized and refugee populations, youth with disabilities, those living in rural areas, and LGBTQ2S+ youth. Many lacked stable housing, access to digital technology, or safe environments for isolation. School closures further limited access to essential health and community services, increasing stigma and exclusion (MHCC, 2020).
Social isolation, family stress, exposure to abuse, and systemic racism further exacerbated emotional difficulties among young people (MHCC, 2020). A study conducted by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reported 18% of respondents experienced suicidal thoughts during the early stages of the pandemic, illustrating the severity of the mental health crisis facing Canadian youth (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2020).
Although some youth showed improvement following in-person learning, many continued to experience persistent mental health challenges. Compounding this issue, several mental health supports introduced during the pandemic have been reduced or discontinued altogether. Continued monitoring and interventions are necessary to support recovery and promote resilience. The MHCC (2020) recommends a comprehensive response, including implementation of a “whole- school” approach which promotes well-being, strengthening schools’ capacity to identify at-risk youth, encouraging supportive home environments, expanding community-based supports, and improving system-level data collection to address inequities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound and lasting effects on youth mental health. Prolonged isolation, education disruption, and structural inequities contributed to increased psychological distress among children and adolescents. While signs of recovery are evident for some, sustained investment in mental health services, education systems, and community supports is essential to mitigate long term consequences and ensure that young people receive adequate support during this crucial stage of development.
References
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2020). COVID-19 national survey dashboard. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info-mental-healt-and-covid-19
Felix, E., & Green, J. G. (2025). Changes in Child and Youth Mental Health Following the Return To In-Person Learning Post-COVID-19 Pandemic. Current Psychiatry Reports. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-025-01642-4
Geoffroy, M.-C., Chadi, N., Bouchard, S., Fuoco, J., Chartrand, E., Loose, T., Sciola, A., Boruff, J. T., Iyer, S. N., Sun, Y., Gouin, J.-P., Côté, S. M., & Thombs, B. D. (2024). Mental health of Canadian youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining changes in depression, anxiety, and suicide-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-024-00865-x
LOCKDOWN LIFE Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Youth in Canada. (2020). Mental Health Commission of Canada. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/drupal/2021-02/lockdown_life_eng.pdf