The RIVM and the Trimbos Institute call on the next cabinet to invest broadly in mental health: focus on prevention, detect problems early, and explicitly address mental health in all policies. The Mental Health Monitor shows that mental health in the Netherlands is under pressure and emphasizes the urgency. About 85% of the Dutch population is satisfied with life, but at the same time, four out of ten Dutch people suffer from anxiety or depression symptoms, and one in four adults has a mental disorder. The consequences of mental health problems are significant: high costs for healthcare, absenteeism, and disability. Access to care is also decreasing, which can worsen complaints.
Today, the RIVM and the Trimbos Institute publish the Mental Health Monitor. This is the most current and comprehensive overview of the state of mental health in the Netherlands and covers the entire life course. The monitor shows that some aspects of mental health are deteriorating. Since 2014, the proportion of people with anxiety or depression symptoms has increased, and more people have a mental disorder. The decline is especially seen among adolescents, young adults, and women. On the other hand, life satisfaction remains relatively stable.
Consequences for healthcare and society
Mental health problems have a daily impact on the life of an individual, the family, and society as a whole. The consequences of mental health problems are clearly visible in healthcare usage. For example, 1 in 10 young people up to 23 years old uses youth care, about a quarter of patients aged 16 and older have had contact with general practitioners due to mental health problems, and 1 in 20 residents aged 18 and older is treated by specialized mental health care. Medical care expenses for mental disorders amount to nearly 500 euros per inhabitant per year. Mental ill-health also has substantial consequences in the workplace. About 42% of people receiving disability benefits do so because of mental disorders. Overall, mental ill-health leads to billions in costs due to absenteeism and disability.
Factors influencing mental health
The RIVM and the Trimbos Institute also examined factors influencing mental health. Perceived health and social support emerge as important factors. Lifestyle factors, such as cannabis use and smoking, are associated with poorer mental health. Experts also emphasize the importance of financial security and paid work for mental health. It is important to understand that there is no single most important factor, and mental health is related to many different factors, both environmental and individual.
Mental health in all policies
All this calls for broad investment in mental health. Cooperation is needed with the people involved and professionals inside and outside healthcare. Efforts must focus on the various influencing factors, in addition to strengthening the individuals mental health and early detection of risks and mental problems. When problems do arise, accessible and appropriate care or help must be available, also outside mental health care. All this can contribute to reducing the need for (more intensive) care and improving mental health. In practice, think of people with financial insecurity and problematic debts who are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety and depressive complaints. Municipalities that focus on early detection of debts, rapid debt assistance, and a stable income see that psychological complaints decrease earlier, as does the inflow into mental health care.
About the Mental Health Monitor
The RIVM and Trimbos Institute carry out this monitor on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). In addition to the overall population picture, the report zooms in on children, adolescents, young adults, adults, elderly, students, and workers. The most recent figures about these groups can be found on the website www.monitormentalegezondheid.nl. Existing sources and registrations were used for this. Many experts, including representatives from various subpopulations, were involved in interpreting the results and making recommendations to improve mental health.
