The latest data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reveals a concerning trend among young people in the Netherlands. In 2022, a significant increase in sleeping problems and mental health issues has been observed among Dutch youth aged 12 to 24, compared to 2017.
Sleeping Troubles on the Rise
According to the Annual Report Youth Monitor released by CBS, in 2022, a staggering 22 percent of Dutch youths aged 12 to 24 reported experiencing sleeping problems in the past two weeks. This marks an alarming increase from the 14 percent reported in 2017. The percentage of young people grappling with sleep disturbances in 2022 has doubled compared to the figures from five years earlier.
Mental Health Challenges Escalate
In addition to sleeping problems, the data highlights a concerning surge in mental health issues. Sixteen percent of young individuals in the same age group reported being mentally unhealthy over the past four weeks, which is twice as high as the corresponding figure in 2017. Being deemed mentally unhealthy is defined as having a total score of less than 60 on the Mental Health Inventory 5. Furthermore, the prevalence of depression among Dutch youths aged 12 to 24 has risen from 5 percent in 2017 to 12 percent in 2022.
Mental Health Provider Contact Increases, but More Gently
While the number of young people experiencing mental health issues, depression, or sleeping problems has doubled in some cases, the increase in the percentage of those who sought help from a mental health provider is more gradual. The proportion of young individuals who sought assistance from a mental health provider increased from 11 percent in 2017 to 14 percent in 2022.
Gender Disparities in Sleeping Problems and Mental Health
Among 12 to 17-year-olds, it was found that 20 percent of girls and 14 percent of boys experienced sleeping problems in 2022. Notably, ten percent of girls in this age group reported that sleep deprivation had a considerable, high, or very high impact on their mental health, compared to 5 percent of boys.
Among young adults aged 18 to 24, 26 percent reported having sleeping problems, with 13 percent noting the adverse effects on their mental health. There were no statistically significant differences between genders in this age group.
In the realm of mental health issues, it is evident that young adults aged 18 to 24 are more affected than those aged 12 to 17, with 20 percent and 11 percent respectively experiencing mental health problems over the past four weeks. This disparity is even more pronounced when comparing gender differences, as twice as many women (27 percent) in the 18 to 24 age group reported mental health problems compared to men (13 percent).
Seeking Help: Gender Disparities Persist
In terms of seeking help, the data suggests a gender divide. In 2022, twice as many girls (14 percent) aged 12 to 17 sought assistance from psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychotherapists in the past 12 months compared to boys (7 percent). In the 18 to 24 age group, the percentage seeking help was 21 percent for women and 14 percent for men.
The data provided by Statistics Netherlands underscores the growing challenges faced by Dutch youth in terms of sleeping problems and mental health. As these issues continue to affect a significant portion of the young population, it is imperative to address and provide support for their mental well-being.
