The mental health of young adults in Amsterdam (16-25 years) has slightly improved in the past 2 years, but only 44% feel (very) good.
Between April and July 2024, public health organizations and the RIVM conducted research: the Young Adults Health Monitor 2024. Over 135,000 young adults, including 3,385 from Amsterdam, completed an online questionnaire about health and well-being.
Improvement compared to 2022
Young adults in Amsterdam score lower than the national average. They smoke, use more drugs, and have unprotected sex more often. They also experience more stress and sleep problems. Positive changes include:
- Resilience increased from 53 to 56%.
- More physical activity: from 52 to 59%.
- Fewer young adults feel limited by mental health issues: from 27 to 23%.
- Loneliness decreased from 27 to 24%.
- Stress experiences decreased from 57 to 52%.
Stress issues
52% of young adults often feel stressed, mainly due to studies and work. High self-expectations and the combination of obligations lead to performance pressure.
Digital stress
36% of young adults in Amsterdam use social media in a risky way, more than the national average of 25%. They also experience more stress from social media. Gambling for money occurs among 15% of young adults.
Sleep problems and lifestyle
23% sleep poorly, which is higher than the national average of 19%. Smoking rates are still above average, and unprotected sex is more common in Amsterdam.
Addressing prevention
The municipality of Amsterdam and GGD are working together on prevention by involving partners such as schools and youth workers.
Moorman: ‘Positive development’
Councilor Marjolein Moorman states that the improvement in mental health is positive, but more support is needed for young adults.