The mental health of university students has been a growing concern in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Recent data from the Netherlands provides a detailed insight into the mental health landscape of higher education students. While there has been a slight improvement in mental health since the pandemic, many students still experience significant emotional and psychological challenges. Understanding the prevalence of mental health issues among this demographic is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems that align with evidence-based practices and holistic approaches.
Overview of Mental Health Among Students
The latest findings from the Monitor on Mental Health and Substance Use among Higher Education Students (MMMS-2025) reveal a complex picture of student well-being. Conducted by the Trimbos Institute, RIVM, and GGD GHOR Netherlands, this survey has been carried out in 2021, 2023, and 2025, providing a longitudinal perspective on student mental health. The most recent data from 2025 indicates that while the mental health of students has improved slightly compared to the pandemic year of 2021, a significant proportion still face mental health challenges.
The survey involved over 27,000 students from 13 universities of applied sciences and 11 research universities, with a response rate of nearly 6%. The data highlights that more than 80% of students have experienced feelings of anxiety or depression in the past month, and approximately 25% of respondents sometimes feel tired of life. These statistics underscore the need for robust mental health support systems tailored to the unique pressures faced by students.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
The data reveals a substantial percentage of students grappling with mental health issues. Approximately 53% of students reported mental health problems that had a “moderate to severe effect” on them. Additionally, 56% of respondents experienced high or very high stress levels in the past month. These figures reflect the multifaceted nature of student stress, with academic pressures, personal challenges, and financial worries emerging as key contributors.
The primary source of stress for students is their academic workload, while social stressors, such as the rising cost of living, play a significant role in their mental health. These findings align with the broader understanding that mental health is not only influenced by individual characteristics but also by environmental and societal factors. For example, students who feel they can be themselves during their studies tend to report better mental health outcomes. Conversely, those who experience substantial stress due to external factors, such as financial instability or global events, are more likely to report poorer mental health and increased substance use.
Substance Use and Its Implications
The survey also sheds light on substance use patterns among students, which are closely linked to their mental health. Alcohol and cannabis remain the most commonly used substances, with one in four students identified as excessive or heavy drinkers. Approximately 50% of students have used cannabis at some point, with 5% using it weekly. Ecstasy use is also prevalent, with one in five students having used the drug at some point and 11% using it in the past year. Cocaine use, although less common, is reported by 10% of students at some point and 5% in the last year.
Psychedelic substances such as mushrooms or LSD are also used by 15% of students. The data indicates that students living in student accommodation are more likely to use these substances compared to those living with their parents. Moreover, students under significant stress or with sleep problems are more inclined to use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. This pattern suggests a complex interplay between mental health and substance use, where one often exacerbates the other.
Help-Seeking Behavior and Support Systems
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues and substance use, the survey reveals that students are less likely to seek help for substance-related problems compared to mental health issues. Only 22% of students who experienced substance use problems sought help, whereas 66% of students with mental health issues did so. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and destigmatization of substance use disorders within the student population.
The number of students receiving counselling or support has increased between 2021 and 2023, particularly for mental health issues. This increase can be attributed to the growing availability of mental health services within educational institutions. For instance, Leiden University has expanded its mental health support, increasing the number of student psychologists from six to nine and implementing a more comprehensive well-being strategy. These efforts have led to more students reaching out for help, indicating the importance of accessible and supportive services in addressing mental health concerns.
The Role of Educational Institutions
Educational institutions play a pivotal role in fostering student well-being. The data underscores the importance of an integrative approach that addresses multiple factors influencing student mental health. Institutions that provide a supportive learning environment, promote open dialogue about mental health, and offer accessible resources are more likely to see positive outcomes among their student population.
The presence of supportive staff, such as student advisors and psychologists, is crucial in helping students navigate academic and personal challenges. Students are encouraged to first consult their program’s study adviser for academic concerns and, if mental health issues are involved, to seek help from a student psychologist. This structured approach ensures that students receive tailored support based on their specific needs.
Breaking the Stigma and Encouraging Help-Seeking
A significant challenge in addressing mental health issues among students is the stigma associated with seeking help. The survey indicates that some students feel extremely helpless when confronted with a combination of problems, and a quarter of respondents reported feeling “tired of life” occasionally or more often. These findings highlight the importance of initiatives aimed at breaking down taboos around mental health and encouraging open conversations.
Educational institutions can play a key role in normalizing discussions about mental health and substance use. By implementing awareness campaigns and providing training for staff and students, institutions can create a culture where seeking help is seen as a positive and necessary step. Programs focused on suicide prevention and mental health literacy can further contribute to a supportive environment where students feel empowered to reach out for assistance.
Conclusion
The data from the MMMS-2025 survey paints a nuanced picture of the mental health landscape among higher education students. While there has been a slight improvement since the pandemic, a significant proportion of students still experience mental health challenges and substance use issues. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health through a multifaceted approach that considers individual, social, and institutional factors.
Educational institutions must continue to expand their mental health support services, promote open dialogue about well-being, and implement evidence-based strategies to foster resilience and emotional regulation among students. By doing so, they can create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to manage their mental health effectively. As mental health remains a critical concern, it is essential to continue monitoring trends and adapting interventions to meet the evolving needs of the student population.