Mental health and substance use issues among students and young people have long been a concern for educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Recent data collected from large-scale surveys in the Netherlands and the United States offer valuable insights into the current state of mental health among higher education students and children. These studies highlight both improvements and ongoing challenges in this demographic group. Understanding these trends is essential for developing evidence-based psychological interventions and support systems that promote emotional well-being and resilience.
Overview of Mental Health Among Higher Education Students
Recent research from the Netherlands, conducted by the Trimbos Institute, RIVM, and the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services, has provided comprehensive insights into the mental health and substance use patterns of higher education students. The most recent survey, the Monitor on Mental Health and Substance Use among Higher Education Students (MMMS-2025), was conducted in 2025 and included over 27,000 participants. The findings show a slight improvement in the mental health of students compared to the 2021 baseline survey, with fewer students reporting emotional exhaustion, loneliness, and pressure to perform.
Despite this progress, the survey also highlights that a significant proportion of students still experience mental health issues. In 2025, 66% of students who reported mental health challenges received some form of counselling or assistance, either within or outside their educational institutions. This marks a notable increase from the 2021-2023 period. For substance use issues, 22% of students received help, a lower but still significant percentage.
The data also reveals that substance use patterns have remained largely stable, with alcohol and cannabis being the most frequently used substances. However, there have been slight declines in weekly cannabis use and the use of non-prescription sleeping medications and sedatives. On the other hand, vaping has seen an increase in popularity, raising new concerns for mental health professionals.
The Role of Environmental and Social Factors
Mental health is not solely determined by individual characteristics but is significantly influenced by the surrounding environment. The MMMS-2025 survey underscores the importance of students' learning and living environments in shaping their mental health and substance use behaviors. For instance, students who feel a sense of belonging and are able to express their true selves during their studies tend to experience better mental health. Conversely, those who face significant stress from societal circumstances, such as financial worries or global political tensions, tend to report poorer mental health and increased substance use.
Additionally, students living in student housing were found to have higher rates of alcohol and substance use compared to those living at home. These findings emphasize the need for an integrative approach to mental health support that addresses both individual and environmental factors. Many educational institutions have already begun implementing such approaches by combining academic, social, and health services to support student well-being.
Mental Health Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
In the United States, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other national surveys provide a comprehensive picture of mental health among children and adolescents. National data from 2022-2023 show that most children exhibit indicators of positive mental health. For example, nearly 78% of children aged 6 months to 5 years display all four indicators of flourishing, including affection, resilience, curiosity, and smiling. Among older children aged 6 to 17, 60% show all three indicators of flourishing, such as interest in learning, calmness under challenge, and task completion.
However, these positive indicators contrast with the high prevalence of mental health conditions. Nearly one in five children aged 3 to 17 (21%) have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. Anxiety, behavior disorders, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed conditions. It is also important to note that many children may experience symptoms without meeting the criteria for a formal diagnosis or may remain undiagnosed despite meeting diagnostic criteria.
Adolescents, in particular, face significant mental health challenges. Among U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17, 20% reported symptoms of anxiety and 18% reported symptoms of depression in the past two weeks. Additionally, among high school students in 2023, 40% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered attempting suicide, 16% made a suicide plan, and 9% attempted suicide. Substance use is also a concern, with 22% of high school students reporting alcohol use in the past 30 days and 17% reporting marijuana use.
The Importance of Early Intervention and Treatment
The data clearly indicates that mental health problems often emerge during childhood and adolescence. According to a 2016 study by the Mental Health Foundation, 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Despite this, a significant gap exists in the provision of timely and appropriate mental health interventions. It is estimated that 70% of children and adolescents with mental health problems do not receive early and effective support.
The importance of early intervention cannot be overstated. Timely access to mental health services can prevent the escalation of symptoms and reduce the long-term impact of mental health conditions. However, the data also reveals that while many adolescents discuss mental health with healthcare providers and receive treatment, there are still substantial gaps in the availability and accessibility of mental health care for youth.
Implications for Psychological Interventions and Support
The findings from these studies highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to mental health support. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and hypnotherapy, have shown promise in addressing mental health issues in both students and young people. These interventions are particularly effective when tailored to the individual's unique needs and when delivered in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Subconscious reprogramming techniques and emotional regulation strategies can also be beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These techniques help individuals develop greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively, and build emotional resilience.
In addition to individual-level interventions, it is crucial to address the broader social and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues. Educational institutions, families, and communities must work together to create supportive environments that promote mental well-being and reduce the risk of substance use and other harmful behaviors.
Conclusion
The data from recent surveys in the Netherlands and the United States underscores the importance of addressing mental health and substance use issues among students and young people. While there are signs of improvement in certain areas, such as increased access to mental health services and reduced use of certain substances, significant challenges remain. The role of environmental and social factors in shaping mental health cannot be overlooked, and a comprehensive approach that integrates individual, educational, and community-based interventions is essential for promoting psychological well-being and resilience.
Mental health professionals, educators, and caregivers must continue to advocate for greater awareness, early intervention, and accessible mental health services for youth. By doing so, we can help ensure that future generations have the tools and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.