The Idea Behind the Project: “Lifechats”
- Melisa D Halley
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Research by the RIVM (2023) shows that 1 in 3 young adults (aged 22 to 25) experience mental health issues.
Based on registered GP visits, these are mainly depressive symptoms. Young adults themselves indicate that this is related to loneliness and high levels of stress.
This is caused by:
school / work
the combination of everything young adults are expected to manage
personal problems (health issues, conflicts with others, secrets, or debts)
stress about what others think of them
problems at home (conflicts, worries, etc.)
Young adults express a need for (mental) support for their mental health challenges, stress related to personal issues, school or work, finding balance between responsibilities, and physical complaints such as muscle pain or memory and concentration problems.
16% of young adults did not seek help for mental health issues. 5% did seek help but were unable to find it, despite needing it.
Adults (aged 25 to 33) also experience significant pressure in daily life. This pressure mainly comes from high workloads, as well as social activities and obligations. Many adults report experiencing burnout or feeling overwhelmed. Housing situations can also be stressful—for example during relocation, renovations, or when they are unable to find suitable housing.
Financial pressure and societal expectations further increase feelings of stress and unrest. Like younger people, many young adults feel uncertain about their future due to the housing market, inflation, or financial difficulties. However, the tone differs. While those under 25 often express doubt and uncertainty, people in their late twenties and early thirties tend to have clearer goals—such as wanting children, a home, or a stable job with sufficient income. Still, they feel hindered in achieving these goals.
Adults who are struggling often already have a diagnosis or recognize themselves in certain conditions. After depression, burnout is most frequently mentioned, followed by autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Some adults indicate they are dealing with past trauma, anxiety, or addiction. Others feel insecure about themselves or experience their lives as lacking meaning.
In addition to pressure and mental health issues, many adults mention that their struggles are related to the loss of a loved one. Others feel unwell because a loved one is ill, due to loneliness, relationship problems, or the end of a relationship.
Adults indicate a strong need for rest—time to reconnect with themselves, to have meaningful conversations, or to spend time with others. Rebuilding a social network can also require effort. Amidst societal pressure, expectations from their environment, and their own expectations, adults express a need for acceptance. They want to feel satisfied with themselves and feel that what they do is “good enough.”
A small group of individuals struggling due to illness or mental health issues also express hope that medical or psychological treatment will help them feel better. Additionally, several participants express the hope that the government will make healthcare more accessible.
Within this target group are individuals who want help but find face-to-face conversations intimidating or uncomfortable, and prefer to receive support in a more accessible way. Some (young) adults simply do not know where to find help that suits them.
This is why we started Lifechats—to prevent young adults from missing out on care and to reduce the risk of their mental health challenges developing into more serious conditions.
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