"Young Adults in the Netherlands Face Mental Health Challenges Amidst Hopeful Signs"

Date: Thursday 23 Jan 2025

Young adults in the Netherlands show a concerning outlook on their mental health, with only 51 percent rating it as good, according to the Health Monitor Young Adults 2024 conducted by RIVM and GGD GHOR Nederland. The survey, which involved 135,000 participants aged 16 to 25, found that 35 percent classified their mental health as moderate and 14 percent as bad or very bad. Mental health issues are particularly prevalent among those aged 21 to 25, individuals struggling financially, and those living alone.

The report indicates that over 40 percent of young adults frequently experience stress, largely linked to academic or job pressures. Rising costs and housing shortages also contribute to their anxiety. Less than half of respondents express confidence in their future, with 15 percent indicating little to no confidence. However, some improvements have been noted compared to 2022; the number of young adults feeling limited by mental health problems decreased from almost 25 percent to nearly 20 percent, and reports of loneliness fell from 27 to 23 percent.

The lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect young people's lives, with nearly two-thirds experiencing negative effects on their mental health and personal relationships. Yet, some individuals report positive developments in their personal growth. Andre Rouvoet, director of GGD GHOR Nederland, stated, “These figures give hope and show that national and local politics need to continue to focus on the mental health of young residents.”

Link: https://nltimes.nl/2025/01/21/young-people-pessimistic-mental-health-health-services-concerned