This study found that young carers aged 16–18 consistently experienced poorer mental health than their peers during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Young carers were more likely to report chronic mental illness, alongside higher levels of depression and anxiety. These mental health inequalities were seen across all groups and did not differ by gender, ethnicity, household income, special educational needs, family structure, or levels of peer, school, or social support. The findings suggest that young carers face widespread mental health challenges and highlight the need for greater recognition and targeted support.
Becca Lacey et al. | Young carers’ mental health during and after the Covid-19 pandemic: variation by gender, ethnicity, income and peer, school or social support | Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2026