A new report by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has revealed an increase in sleeping problems and mental health issues among Dutch young people. The Annual Report Youth Monitor released today shows that in 2022, 22% of 12 to 24-year-olds reported having trouble sleeping, while 16% said they were mentally unhealthy over the past four weeks, and 12% reported suffering from depression over the past twelve months. These figures represent a percentage increase over 2017 levels.
Of those aged 12 to 24, 22% reported having sleeping problems in the past two weeks, compared to 14% in 2017. Similarly, the share of young people reporting mental health issues in the past four weeks in 2022 was twice as high as in 2017. Furthermore, 12% of young people reported suffering from depression over the past year, up from 5% in 2017.
Despite the rise in these issues, the percentage of young people who had contact with a mental health provider only rose slightly from 11% in 2017 to 14% in 2022. Among 12 to 17-year-olds, 20% of girls and 14% of boys had sleeping problems in 2022, with more girls than boys saying sleep deprivation had a significant impact on their mental health. For those aged 18 to 24, 26% reported having sleeping problems, with no significant difference between men and women.
Regarding mental health issues, more women than men sought help from psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychotherapists. In 2022, twice as many girls as boys aged 12 to 17 had sought assistance in the past twelve months, while among those aged 18 to 24, 21% of women and 14% of men had sought help.
These findings suggest that while sleeping problems and mental health issues are affecting a growing number of young people, there remains a gap between those experiencing difficulties and those receiving professional care. Further research is needed to understand why these issues are increasing and to develop effective interventions to address them.
