💸 Unsung Heroes of Covid – Part 2: Financial and Emotional Toll 💔

In Part 1, we explored how young workers were thrust into essential roles during Covid, often with little protection and enormous fear. Now, let’s look at the financial strain and mental health impact that continues to affect thousands of youth across British Columbia. 🧠💥

💰 Denied Benefits and Clawbacks

Many youth who worked in low-wage, precarious jobs were either denied CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) or later faced clawbacks. Service Canada rules meant that if you had any income, even from part-time shifts, you were often considered ineligible. 😡

• Some received partial payments, only to be asked to repay thousands of dollars 💸
• Youth with irregular work hours or gaps in employment were penalized unfairly 📉
• Families often had no safety net to cover lost wages or sudden debt 🏚️

The result? Young adults who had been working tirelessly to support themselves or their families suddenly found themselves in debt, with no relief or acknowledgment of their sacrifice. 📊

📚 Education Disrupted

Covid also interrupted schooling for youth. Many were forced to:

• Drop out or delay graduation 🎓
• Work full-time to support households or pay bills, leaving little time for learning ⏰
• Miss key developmental experiences, social connection, and career opportunities 🚪

The education system assumed they could “catch up” later, but for many, these disruptions have long-term consequences. 🎯

🧠 Mental Health Consequences

The psychological burden was massive. Youth were constantly told they could endanger older adults if they made a mistake, while also being asked to keep essential services running. The impact includes:

• Heightened anxiety and depression 😰
• Sleep disruption and chronic stress 💤
• Post-traumatic symptoms from overwork, abuse, and loss of peers 💔
• Feelings of isolation and lack of societal recognition 🌑

Studies have shown that young adults experienced the steepest increase in mental health crises during the pandemic. Many continue to struggle today, without adequate support. 🩺

🏠 Housing and Living Pressures

For those living independently, financial strain compounded housing difficulties. Rent in cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby was already high — Covid pushed many into unsafe or overcrowded situations. Some youth were forced into exploitative housing, further worsening mental health outcomes. 🏡💥

⚠️ The System Failed

These young workers faced:

• Economic exploitation and lack of benefits 💳
• Educational disruption 📚
• Mental health crises 🧠
• Housing insecurity 🏚️

And yet, society has largely forgotten them. Their labor kept essential services running, yet their sacrifices remain invisible. ❌

📣 Call to Action

We must acknowledge and support these young adults. This means:

• Providing access to mental health care 🩺
• Offering financial support, tuition relief, or debt forgiveness 💰
• Recognizing youth labor contributions and enforcing fair work practices 🏛️
• Creating long-term safety nets for young workers in crisis 📊

In Part 3, we will explore how housing pressures, scams, and unsafe homestays compounded the struggles of youth and international students during the pandemic. 🏘️💔

These youth are more than statistics — they are unsung heroes, deserving recognition, justice, and support. 🌟✨