Third of Dutch now facing more mental health problems than before Covid-19

A third of Netherlands residents indicated that they now have more psychological symptoms than before the coronavirus crisis hit the Netherlands, according to a survey by the Trimbos Institute among 3 thousand people aged 18 and older. They reported struggling with anxiety, insomnia, and stress, Trouw reports.

Almost 40 percent of respondents said they experience more stress since the crisis, because they are concerned about their finances and work, among other things. Of this group, 60 percent also suffer from anxiety and depression. Half also struggle with sleep problems, and a tenth said they have suicidal thoughts. 

13 percent of respondents are afraid of the coronavirus itself. Psychological symptoms are most severe in this group. 80 percent struggle with depression and anxiety. "We need to keep a close eye on this group," Derek de Beurs of the Trimbos Institute said to the newspaper. "How do we now provide them with care? Because this group seems to be the most vulnerable, and that while mental health care is now more difficult to reach."

De Beurs expects a "tsunami of psychological complaints" in the coming period. "The number of bankruptcies will continue to rise in the near future, as will the number of people in mourning,' he said to Trouw. "The aftermath of the lockdown can also fuel psychological problems." He therefore calls for structural attention for Netherlands residents' mental health, and the country's mental healthcare system.