Languishing: Experiences of emerging adults in outpatient mental health care one year into the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted to assess the responses of emerging adults with pre-existing mood and anxiety disorders to the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients from the First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program in London, Ontario, Canada, which treats individuals aged 16–29 with mood and anxiety disorders, were invited between April 16th – 21st, 2021 to complete a survey on their current emotional states, activities and coping. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. A thematic analysis identified the theme of “Languishing,” among responses comprised of 3 organizing subthemes: “Dominance of Negative Emotion,” “Waiting and Stagnating,” and “Loss of Opportunity.” This study suggests that emerging adults with pre-existing mental illness languished as the pandemic and associated restrictions persisted. Emphasis on “Coping through Intentional Action,” a separate theme identified among those coping well, may be protective for this group.