Psychological problems increasing among students

‘Talking to a psychologist shouldn’t be taboo’, stated student psychologist Michêlle Lacroix. And yet, young people are often called ‘snowflakes’ if they do that. But having a good conversation with a specialist is sometimes badly needed, she states.

Text Judith Houben Photo Jonathan Vos

When life doesn't go as planned or isn’t what you hoped for, you can rely on support from a psychologist. Lacroix: ‘Students are increasingly struggling with questions such as: “who am I?”, “what do I do after studying?”, “how do I make sure I pass that test or graduate in time?”.’

Lacroix also regularly talks with students who are unable to cope with their lives. ‘Much more than twenty years ago. Studying looks cool with lots of beer and fun. But it’s also become stressful.’ Together with her Zuyd colleagues, student psychologists Marcel Bellefroid, Dianne Verluyten and Jolanda Navis, Lacroix is seeing how issues such as these are becoming increasingly complex. A student recently called her from the school toilet. She was cutting her arm with a knife. She couldn’t cope with the pressure of a test. ‘This, of course, is an extreme example. But what I actually want to tell the students is: even if you think your situation is not as dire, you can always ask for help. Not feeling well is often caused by multiple factors: heartache, a mother who is ill, divorced parents, or from being bullied in the past. Such an accumulation can lead to suicidal thoughts.”

Lacroix is touching on a sore point: ‘We’re living in a socially engineered ‘me’ society. This offers less protection against doubts and traumas. Everything can be engineered. You need to have a jeep and inject yourself with Botox at a young age. Labels also have an impact. And if you call a student gifted or excellent, what are those others? Retarded?

Poor? What’s wrong with you if you have ADHD or autism.’ Talking about negative feelings and growing towards a ‘we’ society are the solution.

Listening and suffering

Social Media doesn’t make things easier either. ‘A photo of partying co-students makes it feel like you’re the only one sitting alone at home.’ It’s good if you have someone who’ll listen to you and empathize with you. ‘If students call me, I mostly listen. Listening and understanding This creates a bond of trust so that we can look at what a student needs. Young people also need to learn that suffering is part of life and shapes you. As a listening ear is crucial, we teach our lecturers and listening-ear students (Zuyd students you can turn to) to really see students. Everyone can do that. Asking how things are really going or maintaining eye contact for just a little longer offers support.’

On top of that, there was Covid. “The virus, the many lockdowns, and the current crises in the world are causing feelings of fear and bleakness among students. In addition, transgressive behavior also increased during this period. Lacroix hopes that we, as a society, will do more to look after each other. So if you see that a fellow student is having a tough time, really listen to him or her. And say that visiting the student psychologist is not a crazy idea ☺and could result in some useful advice."

More information:

For more information about help for students, see zuydnet.nl/studeren/ hulp-voor-studenten. If you have any complaints about transgressive behavior, you can get in touch with the confidential advisor at Zuyd (vertrouwenspersoon@zuyd.nl) or can contact us (studentenpsychologen@ zuyd.nl).

For privacy reasons, ‘Susan’ is not the student's real name.