A recent survey from the Central Statistics Office, part of the Growing Up in Ireland study, reveals that 25-year-olds are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to when they were 20. The findings, released on April 28, 2025, indicate a troubling trend in mental health among young adults over the last five years.
The survey highlights that 25% of respondents reported being diagnosed with depression or anxiety, an increase from under 20% at age 20. Women are particularly affected, with 31.5% reporting a diagnosis, compared to 18.3% of men. Additionally, low self-esteem is more prevalent among women, with 23.5% indicating low self-worth, while 18.2% of men reported the same.
Stress levels also differ significantly between genders; nearly 22% of women indicated experiencing moderate or high stress, versus 15.3% of men. The survey asked participants about their alcohol consumption, health behaviors, and relationships, providing a comprehensive snapshot of their lives.
In terms of alcohol use, just under 40% of respondents exhibited drinking patterns categorized as risky or hazardous by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although this marks a slight decrease from when they were 20, men (44.5%) were more likely than women (33.6%) to engage in hazardous drinking. Notably, men with a degree or higher education had the highest rates of hazardous consumption at 51.2%.
Regarding physical health, most participants reported good overall health, with 22.7% stating they were in excellent health and 42.1% in very good health. Life satisfaction among this group averaged 6.5 out of 10. However, exercise habits showed a disparity, with only 49.2% of women participating in vigorous exercise compared to 67.9% of men.
On the topic of smoking and vaping, men showed higher smoking rates, while vaping was more evenly distributed between genders. Approximately 51.3% of respondents reported they neither smoked nor vaped. Drug use also emerged as a concern, with 21.4% admitting to having tried cocaine at least once in the past year.
In terms of relationships, nearly 60% of the participants were in a relationship, and over a quarter were cohabiting with their partner. When asked about personal issues, both genders reported a preference for confiding in friends, partners, or mothers. Additionally, close relationships with parents remained stable or improved over the past five years, although nearly 6% indicated they had no close friends.
These findings underscore the increasing mental health challenges faced by young adults in Ireland, particularly among women. The Growing Up in Ireland study serves as a vital resource for understanding the evolving landscape of youth mental health and highlights the need for targeted interventions and support systems.
