A recent survey conducted by 3Vraagt, 3FM Human, and Stichting MIND reveals a concerning mental health crisis among Dutch youth, with nine out of ten individuals aged 16 to 34 experiencing mental health issues over the past year. The survey, which included 1,495 participants, indicates that almost all mental health complaints have risen compared to the previous year, and young people are finding it increasingly difficult to discuss their struggles.
The study found that nearly all respondents faced challenges such as stress, uncertainty, overstimulation, fear of failure, perfectionism, or a sense of impending doom. For 58 percent of the participants, these issues significantly affected their daily functioning. Furthermore, 37 percent reported that they had to take sick leave from work or school at least once in the past two years due to their mental health struggles. One participant noted, “I am constantly tired, chaotic, and forgetful, which means I perform less well.”
Mental health issues surged among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not shown signs of improvement since. According to the researchers, post-pandemic crises such as the housing and cost of living crises have exacerbated the situation. Additionally, global concerns, including climate change and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, have contributed to the mounting stress. One respondent expressed frustration, stating, “Everything seems to be going to hell and nothing is being solved. Parliament and the Cabinet are only concerned with themselves and their seats, while the world is on fire.”
The survey also highlighted the growing difficulty young people face in discussing their mental health. The percentage of respondents who felt they couldn’t talk to anyone about their mental health doubled from 11 percent last year to 22 percent this year. Many shared that their attempts to open up were met with unhelpful or dismissive responses. “They say things like ‘well, cheer up, be a bit happier,’ which is of no use to me,” said one respondent. Another participant mentioned that their mental health struggles were used against them, saying, “I am not taken seriously in discussions, ‘because you have an anxiety disorder.’”
These findings underscore the urgent need for better mental health support and a more empathetic approach to addressing the challenges faced by Dutch youth.
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