Abstract
COVID-19 is changing lives. Less attention has been paid to the future of young people by governments since the onset of the pandemic. We suggest that young people are vulnerable to demoralization, a state of hopelessness and helplessness, during and post-COVID-19. This reflection drawn from journaling and ongoing reflexive conversation from December 2019 to April 2020 offers a critical perspective on the circumstances of young Australians that encompasses consideration of the structural factors that impact on health, life chances, equality and social justice as well as the personal aspects of reflection.
Highlights
Demoralization is an important concept in this health emergency as it relates to the loss of hope, helplessness and an inability to see a viable future
Demoralization is too often confused with depression leading to misguided interventions which may not address core issues associated with the loss of hope and helplessness
The present and future was far less certain. The focus of this reflection is on one group, young adults in Australia, made vulnerable to demoralization through unemployment, a circumstance worsened when intersected with pre-existing disadvantage or discrimination
Summary
Keywords COVID-19, young people, demoralization, unemployment, critical reflection Demoralization is an important concept in this health emergency as it relates to the loss of hope, helplessness and an inability to see a viable future. It affects many vulnerable people, yet it is a relatively rare concept in social work practice.
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