The number of young people who assess their own health as good has increased slightly compared to the previous quarterly study. In March 2025, 84% said they felt they were in good health. Young people’s mental well-being has also improved slightly over the past quarter. These are results from the fifteenth quarterly study conducted by the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network).
For example, more young people felt happy. Additionally, the share of young people who seriously considered suicide dropped slightly, from 15% in December 2024 to 13% in March 2025.
Fewer visits to the GP for feelings of depression
GP data likewise reflect a modest improvement in young people’s mental well-being. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of GP consultations for depressive feelings was 10% lower than in the same period in 2019. In 2023 and 2024, in contrast, this figure was higher. While young people did see their GP more often for feelings of anxiety (+19%), the difference with 2019 is smaller than in previous years. On the other hand, the number of GP consultations for suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts has remained high in this quarter – 34% more than in the same period in 2019.
Research programme on the health consequences of COVID-19
For five years (2021–2025), the GOR Network has been gathering data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and perceived happiness of people in the Netherlands. This research programme is known as the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19.
The monitor shows the mental and physical health status in the Netherlands at any particular moment and how it evolves over time. This up-to-date knowledge helps policymakers develop better policies. Additionally, there are regular talks with hands-on experts, specialists, and care and education professionals.
The GOR Network consists of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), local Municipal Health Services, the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters (GGD GHOR), the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel) and the ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre. ZonMw, the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, commissioned the research programme on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.