News | RIVM

No reduction in number of young people with suicidal thoughts

In March 2023, 14.1% of young people in the Netherlands (aged 12-25 years) reported seriously thinking about ending their life occasionally, often or very often.

More than half of young adults reported experiencing mental health problems

More than half of young adults (aged 16 to 25) in the Netherlands experience mental health problems. High levels of loneliness and suicidal thoughts are also observed in this age group. This is evident from the COVID-19 Health Monitor for Young Adults 2022

RSV summer peak possibly caused by declining antibodies during COVID-19 pandemic

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that causes cold symptoms. In particularly, young children and vulnerable older people are more likely to become seriously ill if they get it.

Dutch people eat more healthy foods: more plant products, less red and processed meat

Dutch people are eating and drinking more healthily. We know this because of RIVM’s new Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP). Dutch people are eating more plant products, like fruit and vegetables, unsalted nuts and legumes.

People working from home more likely to have health problems

People who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have physical complaints than people working on location (location workers). Examples included upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain in arms, neck and/or shoulders. These findings are from RIVM research.

Mental health of young people shows minor recovery

Young people (12-25 years) in the Netherlands have fewer mental health symptoms compared to the previous research round in June 2022. This is evidenced by the latest quarterly research update (September 2022) from the GOR Network.

No reduction in number of young people with suicidal thoughts

Even after a period without any coronavirus measures, the number of young people (aged 12-25 years) with serious suicidal thoughts remains high (16%). After nearly doubling in the last lockdown period (from 9% in autumn 2021 to 17% between December 2021 and February 2022), there has been almost no reduction in this percentage.

Meisje legt hand op schouder van ander meisje

High rates of RSV in children over the summer, and a late flu epidemic in the 2021-2022 season

Hospitals reported an unusually large number of children presenting with RSV over the summer of 2021. The number of positive coronavirus tests rapidly increased after the summer of 2021.

Vulnerable groups in society have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic

Some vulnerable groups in society have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than less vulnerable groups. These include young people (up to 24 years) who have physical or mental problems or come from low-income families.

More than 1 in 5 young people had suicidal thoughts during last lockdown

More than 1 in 5 young people (22%) between the ages of 12 and 25 years seriously thought about ending their lives between December 2021 and February 2022. A lockdown was in effect in the Netherlands at that time.