Longitudinal Associations of Mental Disorders With Physical Diseases and Mortality Among 2.3 Million New Zealand Citizens

Abstract

Two global trends are currently occurring that challenge the well-being of young people. First, the demographic characteristics of populations are changing; humans are living longer and having fewer children, leaving fewer young workers to support larger numbers of retirees.¹ Second, workforce expectations are shifting. Young people entering the modern labor force are expected to have higher levels of education and more specialized skills than those in previous generations.² These changes may be associated with higher levels of stress among young people, increasing the importance of having good mental health in early life.