A new survey conducted by the Ontario Association of Social Workers has found that two-thirds of young women in Ontario are living with a mental health condition, which is an alarming trend. The survey results were released in a press release and show that women between the ages of 18 and 34 are most affected by this trend.
According to the survey, anxiety was the most common mental health condition experienced by young women in Ontario. Depression, stress, and self-esteem issues were also reported. The findings indicate that these conditions are not only affecting the quality of life of these young women but also impacting their ability to work or study.
The survey included responses from 1,200 women and found that women living in urban areas were more likely to experience mental health conditions than those living in rural areas. The survey also found that women who identified as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, Indigenous, or from a racialized community reported higher rates of mental health conditions.
Experts in the field of mental health have expressed their concern over the findings of the survey. They believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, especially for young women. The social isolation, financial insecurity, and increased screen time associated with pandemic life have all contributed to the increase in mental health conditions.
The Ontario Association of Social Workers is calling for more resources to be directed towards addressing this trend. They are urging the government to invest in mental health resources for young women, including therapy and counseling services.
The survey results have also prompted some mental health professionals to call for increased education and awareness about mental health issues. They believe that educating young women about mental health, including the warning signs and available resources, can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions.