In the third quarter of 2024, more young people (0–24 years) contacted the GP because of suicide-related thoughts and attempts than previously measured. At the same time, the percentage of young people in the survey who reported having suicidal thoughts remained the same in September 2024 compared to 3 and 6 months earlier. Also, the average mental health of young people was stable, and fewer were suffering from physical symptoms. These findings are from the thirteenth quarterly survey. The results of this study are part of Health Research for COVID-19.
The Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network) publishes a quarterly update on this page, summarising key results from survey research and data from primary care providers. A research update on adults is published every six months. The aim is to provide information to the municipalities, the provinces and the national government of the Netherlands to assist them in formulating policies to facilitate better pandemic preparedness and to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary of research round 13
Highest number of suicide-related GP contacts measured so far
In the third quarter of 2024, young people (aged 0–24 years) contacted the GP 75% more often because of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts than before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. These numbers also include fatal suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts. Although total numbers are low, this was the highest number of GP contacts related to this topic measured so far, even higher than the peak in the last few months of 2021. At the same time, the percentage of young people who reported having suicidal thoughts in the September survey was the same as 3 and 6 months earlier (13%), although it was also still substantially more than in the first research round in September 2021 (8%). Read more about these figures and possible explanations in the update.
Memory and concentration problems and dizziness were mentioned as reasons for children, adolescents and young people to visit their GP, occurring more often than before the pandemic. These symptoms seem to have increased slightly since the start of the pandemic.
Mental well-being remains stable
Mental well-being among young people remained the same over the past 9 months, with an average score of 68 on a scale of 0 to 100. Well-being seems to have remained stable since September 2022, although it did stabilise at a lower level than in 2021. A new addition this round was a question on how young people have been affected by media messaging about mental health among young people. The majority of young people (85%) reported that media reports have had a neutral impact on how they feel, while 9% felt better as a result and 7% felt worse.
Young people are still talking about the COVID-19 pandemic
A quarter of young people say they still occasionally discuss the COVID-19 pandemic or its impacts. Young people usually talk about what it was like, the measures and how crazy, annoying or boring it was to them, but also what they enjoyed about it. The focus is often on what experiences they missed out on, how they felt, and what impact that time period had on their performance at university or school, mental health, social contacts and social development. In addition, they compare how ill they were when they had COVID-19, or discuss post-COVID (theirs or others). Sometimes they discuss how different it is now and how long ago it feels. Finally, some conversations are about whether there will be another pandemic and how it should be dealt with.
More concerns about COVID-19
More young people reported being concerned about COVID-19 exposure or reintroduction of coronavirus measures in this survey round than in June 2024. 16% were concerned about COVID-19 exposure, compared to 12% three months ago. Regarding coronavirus measures, 15% were concerned in this round, compared to 13% in June.