COVID-19 pandemic intensified negative mental health trend among young people
Anxiety and depression issues among young people were already on the rise, but during the COVID-19 pandemic this trend accelerated. The number of young people in the Netherlands at a high risk of anxiety or depressive disorder rose sharply between 2020 and 2022.
Mental health at risk: broad investment in mental health by new government required
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Trimbos Institute are calling on the next government to invest broadly in mental health, focusing on prevention, identifying problems at an early stage, and applying an approach that addresses mental health across all policy areas.
Well-being and social cohesion crucial for resilience in future crises
Well-being and social cohesion are important pillars for how society can withstand a crisis, such as a pandemic. It is therefore important to pay continuous attention to these factors—before, during, and after a crisis.
Slight improvement in mental health of higher education students
The mental health of higher education students was slightly better in 2025 compared with 2021. Among other things, fewer students reported emotional exhaustion, loneliness and pressure to perform. That being said, a large proportion of students still feel ill at ease and experience mental health issues.
Mental health decreasing among young people, stable among adults
The mental health of young people in the Netherlands has declined. These findings are from by the latest quarterly research update (June 2025) from the GOR Network. More young people felt lonely, experienced stress, and had serious thoughts about suicide.
Minimal improvement in young people’s health and mental well-being
The number of young people who assess their own health as good has increased slightly compared to the previous quarterly study.
