Racial minorities and first-generation students reported higher rates of depression and anxiety during the pandemic, new study finds

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many students. A new study found that cases of depression and anxiety were even worse among racial minority students in their schools.

According to the University of Georgia study, more than half of students at a predominantly white university who identified as non-white reported feelings of mild depression, with 17% reporting they had experienced depression. moderate to severe.

Students attending a historically black university who identified as non-black also experienced higher rates of anxiety and depression than those who were black.

“College is a time when adolescents are launching themselves into the outside world,” says Janani Rajbhandari-Thapa, study co-author and associate professor at the University of Georgia School of Public Health. “Being isolated during this time may be associated with depression and anxiety, as we found in our study, compounded by a lack of sense of belonging due to being a minority group.”

The study surveyed more than 3,100 students during the pandemic about whether they were experiencing feelings of hopelessness, sleep problems or lack of energy.

Limitations or lack of social activities affected all students, but some demographic groups were hit harder than others, the paper suggests.

Women reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than men. Additionally, all first-generation college students, or students who are the first in their family to attend college, reported some level of depression, regardless of their institution.

According to Rajbhandari-Thapa, finding a sense of belonging is a crucial part of the college experience. At a time when everyone felt isolated, it seems that racial minorities, first-generation college students, and women felt even more the effects of loneliness.

To address this problem, Rajbhandari-Thapa says colleges need to host events designed for racial minorities or other demographic groups more prone to depression or anxiety.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone. If you are in danger of acting out due to suicidal thoughts, call 911. For help and resources, callNational lifeline for suicide preventionat 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741 for the crisis text line.

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