A new survey by Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) through Behaviour & Attitudes (B&A) reveals that people under the age of 25 are experiencing a dramatic increase in levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same time last year.

45% of under 25s report being ‘often’ stressed and 42% often anxious – compared with just 8% and 7% at the same time last year. * 34% of those polled say they are often lonely compared with 2% last year. Isolation, examination stress, uncertainty and unemployment levels reported in the media in this age cohort are likely to be playing a part in these significantly raised numbers. 

Commenting on the results Lisa Molloy, CEO of the IACP says “These are very concerning findings, professional counselling and psychotherapy sessions offer a safe, confidential place to talk to a trained professional about your feelings and concerns, and can play a very important role in supporting people through stressful and anxious periods in their lives.  We have more than 4,500 professional IACP counsellors and psychotherapists working throughout the country and they can be contacted via the member directory on the IACP website.”

For further information, or to arrange an interview with an IACP Spokesperson, please contact Hugh O’Donoghue, on 0877206033.

ENDS

 *The research was carried out online between April 8th and 20th 2020 and asked 1,046 Irish adults about their levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness/isolation in the previous two weeks. A B&A survey for the IACP carried out in late March 2019 asked the same question, face to face.

About the IACP: Established in 1981, the IACP identifies, develops, and maintains professional standards of excellence in counselling and psychotherapy through education, training and accreditation. More information is available from the IACP’s website www.iacp.ie.