RIVM and the Trimbos Institute are today publishing the Mental Health Monitor. This monitor is the most up-to-date and comprehensive overview of mental health in the Netherlands covering the entire life course. The monitor shows a decline in some aspects of mental health. Since 2014, the proportion of people experiencing anxiety or depression has risen, and more people are living with mental health disorders. This decline is particularly evident among adolescents, young adults and women. By contrast, life satisfaction, for example, remains fairly stable.

 Consequences for healthcare and society

Mental health issues affect the lives of individuals, families, and society as a whole every day. The consequences of mental health issues are evident in the consumption of healthcare. For example, 1 in 10 young people up to the age of 23 use youth services, approximately a quarter of patients aged 16 and above have contacted their general practitioner about mental health issues, and 1 in 20 aged 18 and above are receiving treatment from specialist mental health services. Healthcare expenditure due to mental disorders amounts to almost 500 euros per inhabitant a year. Mental health issues also have far-reaching consequences in the workplace. Approximately 42% of disability benefits are allocated for mental health issues. In total, mental ill health issues cost billions in terms of absenteeism and disability. 

Factors that affect mental health

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and the Trimbos Institute also looked into factors that affect mental health. How people experience health and social support has emerged as important factors in this regard. Lifestyle factors, such as cannabis use and smoking, are associated with poorer mental health. Experts also stress the importance of financial security and paid work on people’s mental health. It is important to understand that there is no single dominant factor, and that mental health is related to many different environmental, social and individual aspects..

Mental health in all policy areas

A broad investment in mental health is needed. Cooperating with the people concerned and with professionals both within and outside the healthcare sector is required. Efforts must be made to address the factors that affect mental health, as well as to improve individual well-being and detect mental health risks and problems at an early stage. If problems do arise, accessible and appropriate care must be available, inside and outside of mental healthcare institutions. These actions can contribute to reducing the need for care (or more intensive care) and can lead to improved mental health For example, people lacking financial security or who have problematic debts are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Municipalities that focus on the early detection of debt, rapid debt assistance and a stable income are seeing a reduction in mental health issues, as well fewer referrals to mental health services. 

 About the Mental Health Monitor 

RIVM and the Trimbos Institute carry out this monitor on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. As well as providing an overview of the entire population, the report focuses on children, adolescents, young adults, adults, elderly people, students and workers. The most recent figures on these groups can be found on the website www.monitormentalegezondheid.nl [in Dutch]. Existing sources and records were used for this purpose. Many experts, including representatives from various sub-populations, were also involved in interpreting the results and making recommendations for improving mental health.