Slightly more young people rate their health as good compared to previous quarterly surveys. In March 2025, 84 percent reported that they experience their health as good. Mental wellbeing has also slightly improved in the past quarter. This is evident from the fifteenth quarterly survey of the Health Research Network during Disasters (Netwerk GOR).
Fewer Doctor Visits for Depressive Feelings
Data from general practitioners also shows a slight improvement in the mental wellbeing of young people. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of GP contacts for depressive feelings was 10 percent lower than in the same period in 2019. In 2023 and 2024, this was actually higher. Young people did visit the GP more often for anxious feelings (+19%), but the difference compared to 2019 is smaller than in previous years. Conversely, the number of contacts with the GP for suicide attempts and thoughts remains high this quarter: 34% more than in the same period in 2019.
Research Program on the Effects of the Coronavirus Crisis on Health
For five years (2021-2025), the Netwerk GOR collects information on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the health and happiness of people in the Netherlands. This research program is called the Integral Health Monitor COVID-19.
The monitor shows what mental and physical health is at a certain moment in the Netherlands and how it changes over time. Policymakers can develop better policies with this current knowledge. Regular discussions are also held with, among others, experts by experience, experts, and care and education professionals.
Netwerk GOR consists of the RIVM, local GGD Municipal Health Service (Municipal Health Service)s, GGD GHOR Nederland Municipal / Joint Health Service – Medical Assistance Organization in the Region (Municipal / Joint Health Service – Medical Assistance Organization in the Region), the Nivel and ARQ National Psychotrauma Center (National Psychotrauma Center) National Psychotrauma Center. ZonMw Health Research Netherlands Medical Sciences (Health Research Netherlands Medical Sciences) is commissioned by the Ministry of VWS Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) to conduct the research.