Support within your educational institution
The mental and physical healthcare available varies between types of educational institutions.
At universities (WO) and universities of applied sciences (HBO), your first point of contact for mental health issues is often your study advisor or your student dean. They can make an estimate of your situation and, if necessary, refer you to a student psychologist or offer another type of care/guidance. You can also plan a consultation with the student psychologist yourself. They will decide which procedure is best for you: one-on-one appointments, group sessions or workshops for example. The student psychologist can sometimes also decide that their help won’t suffice and can refer you to an external healthcare specialist.
Some universities (of applied sciences) have a student doctor available for issues with physical health as well. For example, UvA has a general and dentist practice available for its students.
At MBO, your first point of contact is often your mentor or study coach. For most questions, mental or physical, you can also go to an employee of MBO Jeugdteam (Youth-team). MBO Jeugdteam offers youth doctors, youth advisors and youth psychologists to schools who can offer you easily accessible help. They’ll listen to you, answer your questions and can advise you and your school on possible next steps to take. They are also in close contact with youth health care and other health care organisations.
Take a look at the website of your educational institution for more information specific to your school and for contact information on the different contact points. For more information on MBO Jeugdteam, click here.
External support options
Of course, help is also available outside of your educational institution through different organisations:
- All Ears: All Ears is an initiative founded by psychology students at UvA and is available 7 days a week to call or chat and talk about any struggles you might be having.
- Een tegen eenzaamheid: Een tegen eenzaamheid (One against loneliness) is an initiative from the government that facilitates people looking to make social connections, through sport groups or volunteering for example. You can also talk to them through their Luisterlijn.
- @ ease: You can go to @ ease without an appointment, reference or waitlist to anonymously talk about your problems, either with peers or with a health care professional.
- Mentaal Vitaal: On this website from Trimbos-institute, you can find information on different mental conditions and tips on how to be mindful everyday.
- Jellinek: Jellinek offers professional help regarding substance use, prevention and addiction. They offer treatments, but also have a self-help-section on their website.
- When your issues are long lasting and/or serious, always contact your general practitioner as well.