A Quarter Report Mental Health Issues
The Trimbos Institute, a prominent mental health research center in the Netherlands, reports a significant rise in mental health issues among the Dutch population compared to previous years. In their study, 26% indicate experiencing conditions such as depression, excessive alcohol or drug use, or anxiety disorders. In 2009, this figure was 18%.
Young adults are particularly affected. Currently, 44% of students report experiencing mental health disorders – twice as many as 13 years ago.
While the exact causes weren’t examined, Trimbos suggests factors such as performance pressure and individualization likely contribute. Interestingly, the research, conducted before and during the COVID pandemic, showed no significant differences.
Source: NOS News (Netherlands)
Sarah’s Brave Confrontation With Herself
Numbers don’t always hit home.
But this one does.Because behind these statistics are real people.
People like Sarah.At first glance, she seems to have everything going for her.
Her life looks flawless from the outside.A successful career.
Her own apartment in a vibrant city.
Athletic, attractive, financially comfortable.And yet…
Yet, she increasingly feels an inexplicable emptiness.
A nagging insecurity.An inner restlessness she desperately tries to silence.
Netflix marathons.
Glass after glass of wine.
Endless scrolling through dating apps or social media.The question creeps in:
Is this really all life has to offer?Sarah slowly realizes she’s been running away from her feelings her entire life.
Why?
Because no one ever taught her how to deal with them.In school, she learned math, economics, and history.
But how to handle emotions, performance anxiety, or internal struggles?
Silence.Until one night.
Exhausted by her own avoidance.
She finally decides to face herself.She pauses.
She feels.
She acknowledges.Yes, she feels insecure.
Yes, she fears she might not be good enough.But now, there’s one big difference:
She stops running.From that moment, Sarah chooses mental hygiene as consciously as brushing her teeth.
She begins to see her patterns clearly.
No longer pushing away her emotions, but embracing them instead.Awkward and confronting at first.
But soon liberating and empowering.In a world filled with constant pressure to perform and relentless individualization, the solution is closer than we think.
It begins with you.
With the courage to feel, acknowledge, and then consciously act.Do you feel it too?
That deep longing to truly reconnect with yourself?Because, just like Sarah, meaningful change starts with the brave decision to stop looking away from what you truly feel inside.
The climb upward always begins with a single conscious step.
Which step will you take today?
For more insights about performance pressure and individualization, check out Blog 3: Why Now?
