Young men’s mental ill-health in the Nordics

Abstract

Research overview point by pointMental ill-health and gender: Men ind it more dif icult to seek help for mental health problems because of masculinity norms and mental ill-health being stigmatised.School effects: School closures and distance teaching during the pandemic have negatively affected young people's well-being and learning, in particular young men. Education and training and the workplace:Young men who are neither studying nor working pose a challenge and need individualised support to enter the labour market. Effects of the pandemic:The COVID-19 pandemic has had a signi icant negative impact on young people's mental health, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially among young women. Physical activity and lifestyle:Physical activity has positive effects on young people's mental health and performance at work, but many young men reduced their physical activity during the pandemic.Gambling addiction and high-risk behaviours: Problematic gambling is more common among young men than young women and has a negative impact on their schooling as well as their working lives.Body dissatisfaction: When teenagers feel dissatis ied with their bodies, it affects their school performance and well-being.Intervention and support: Early interventions, access to psychosocial support at school, and reducing the stigma around mental ill-health are important measures for promoting young men's mental health.