Mental problems against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic are experienced by every third Austrian, young people under the age of 30 are most affected. This was announced on April 21 by the Kurier portal with reference to the results of a study by the Sigmund Freud University of Vienna.
The study was conducted at the Institute for Social Aesthetics and Mental Health under the direction of Michael Musalek and Oliver Scheibenbogen. According to experts, if in May 2020 a quarter of Austrians felt the increased mental stress due to the crisis, then in March 2021 this figure was already 30%.
The pandemic acts as an intensifier of mental disorders, with stress especially increasing in young people between the ages of 18 and 30.
“Today, every second young person reports psychological stress. In women, too, in comparison with men, psychological stress has increased significantly, ”said the deputy head of the institute, Scheibenbogen.
Over the past period, Austrians have experienced more frequent sleep problems, depression, phobias and anxiety. Every second respondent complains of increased irritability, almost every third respondent complains of chronic irritability.
Austrians cite restrictive government measures, lack of a day structure, and uncertainty about keeping a job as the reasons for the mental problems.
As noted by Musalek, despite this, everything possible must be done to counter the spread of the virus and the fatal consequences of the infection.
The day before, it was reported that the number of deaths after vaccination against coronavirus in Austria reached 74. Vaccination against coronavirus in Austria began in December 2020. Citizens can be vaccinated with drugs from Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca.
On March 30, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced Austria’s intention to negotiate with Russia on the use of Sputnik V. According to the politician, since February Austria has been “in good dialogue with the Russian side,” for which he is very grateful.