In the third quarter of 2024, young people (0–24 years) had 75% more contact with the GP because of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts than before the pandemic in 2019. The difference has grown compared to the previous quarter (increase of 75% v. 45%), based on primary care data. The percentage of young people reporting suicidal thoughts in surveys remained about the same compared to the second quarter of 2024, but was still significantly higher than before the pandemic. These findings are from the thirteenth quarterly research update from the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network).
No significant increase in other mental health symptoms, such as feelings of depression or anxiety, was observed during GP visits. This research round did not specifically look at why young people contacted their GP more frequently in relation to suicidality in the past quarter. One possible explanation is that more young people are seeking help, which does not necessarily mean that more young people are having suicidal thoughts.
113 Suicide Prevention Foundation
Young adults with suicidal thoughts (and their loved ones) can be helped by encouraging them to contact their GP, or accessing the helpline and chatline offered by the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation.
It is important for the GP to identify these problems and open the topic up for discussion. The foundation also offers more information (in Dutch) on how general practitioners and GP assistants should address the topic of suicidality. Schools and universities can also contribute. Read more (in Dutch) about suicide prevention in schools.
Research programme on health impacts of COVID-19 crisis
Over the course of a five-year period (2021–2025), the Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network) is compiling information about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and perceived happiness of people in the Netherlands. This research programme is called the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19. The monitor shows a snapshot of mental and physical health at a specific time in the Netherlands and how these aspects change over time. This up-to-date knowledge will enable policymakers to develop better policies. The researchers also regularly conduct interviews with people who have first-hand experience, experts in various fields, and education professionals.
The GOR Network consists of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), local offices of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), GGD GHOR (the national umbrella organisation of the GGDs and the Regional Medical Assistance Organisations), the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), and ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre. The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) is the commissioning client for this research, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS).