What if young people didn’t have to go from one professional to another before truly being heard? On the NPO 1 radio program Vijf Dagen, child psychiatrist Rianne Klaasen — co-founder of @ease — expressed her concerns about youth mental health, and her hopeful response: @ease. No diagnosis, no hurdles — but a safe place to talk. With someone your own age, free of charge, and completely confidential.
🎧Listen to the full interview here
A generation under pressure
One in three young people struggles with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress. This is not by chance, says Rianne Klaasen. They’re growing up in a world that demands everything at once: good grades, the perfect body, plenty of friends, and an exciting life. Meanwhile, they’re burdened with worries about the climate, conflicts, and whether they’ll ever find a home.
They feel responsible, but lack control. And then fear often arises—or even an eating disorder—as a way to regain control. “It seems like control has become the new ideal,” says Rianne. “But that’s an illusion.”
What if we just listened?
Rianne pleads for earlier support — not waiting until young people burn out or hit a wall. Not every struggle needs a psychologist. Often, being listened to already makes a difference. “Sometimes someone just needs to speak out what’s on their mind. After that, they often find their way again.”
From that conviction, she and Thérèse van Amersfoort founded @ease: an organization that supports young people’s mental health with low-threshold conversations. Across the Netherlands, @ease living-room spaces welcome young people, no appointment, no forms. Trained young volunteers (peers) are there to listen and receive them warmly. “We don’t use intake forms,” Rianne explains. “Young people can simply walk in or chat with us.”
Why things have to be different than they are now
In the interview, mother Merel also speaks, sharing that her daughter saw 37 different care providers in the first 3.5 months of her treatment. Rianne is visibly moved: “That gives me secondhand shame.”
She argues for care that is simpler and more humane: one trusted point of contact, less bureaucracy, and more time to genuinely listen. And recognition of initiatives like @ease, which can ease the burden on healthcare by being there for young people at an earlier stage.
Listen to the entire conversation
The talk with Rianne Klaasen touches on much more than care itself. It’s about raising children, about parents wanting to solve every problem, about young people who were never taught how to fail. And above all, about the power of simply being present.
🎧 Listen to the broadcast of Vijf Dagen terug here
Do you want to talk to someone? Talking can feel easier with someone your own age than with an adult. Whether you’re stressed, worried about school, or struggling with suicidal thoughts: we’re here to listen. Without judgment. You’re welcome to drop in whenever you need. Here you can find all @ease locations and opening hours.