A large number of university and college students have suffered from mental problems in the past year. This is the result of a joint study by the Trimbos Institute, RIVM and GGD GHOR Nederland.
The study, the so-called Monitor Mental Health and Substance Use of Students, was conducted among more than 28,000 students. More than half of the students (51 percent) experience psychological complaints, of which 12 percent are serious. It is the first time that the mental health of students has been mapped out for the whole of the Netherlands.
The research shows that a large percentage of the students had problems such as exhaustion, loneliness and pressure to perform. But there are also students who had it even more difficult: 26 percent say they sometimes thought they would rather be dead.
‘Shocking’
Lisanne de Roos, the chairperson of the Interstedelijk Studentenoverleg (ISO), is shocked by the results. “It is shocking to see that so many students struggle to keep their heads above water and that one in four students has even indicated that they have wished to be dead now and then. After today no one can say that mental problems occur only in a few students.”
The research took place in the third corona wave of the spring of 2021. Between May and June, the students were able to share their experiences. The researchers say that the corona wave is not the only cause of the mental problems, but that it may cause an enlargement of these complaints.
Improve mental health
Outgoing minister Van Engelshoven (Education) says in an initial response that the results are cause “for great concern”. “We are going to work on this with the greatest urgency, together with students, colleges, universities, mental health services and researchers.”
“With the National Education Program we have started investments to improve the mental health of students, but this must be followed up,” she continues. “And the stress and pressure on students comes from more than just education. The financial situation of students and the prospects for students on the labor and housing market can also play a role.”
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