55% of young women, aged 22, were over the threshold for depression during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research conducted by the ESRI in 2020 found the pandemic resulted in poorer mental health in both young men and women.
Four-in-ten 22 year-old men were depressed during the pandemic, an 18 percent increase
Two years prior 31 per cent of women, were classified as depressed.
ESRI Research Professor Emer Smith said "massive disruption" to education, employment and relationships caused rates to rely.
"The study shows the importance of providing adequate mental health supports for young adults as a matter of urgency," she added.
