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.
🎧 Luister hier het hele interview terug
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.”
Vanuit die overtuiging richtte ze samen met Thérèse van Amersfoort @ease op: een organisatie die de mentale gezondheid van jongeren versterkt door laagdrempelige gesprekken. Door heel Nederland zijn er @ease-inloophuiskamers waar jongeren terechtkunnen – zonder afspraak, zonder formulier. Ze worden er ontvangen door getrainde jonge vrijwilligers (peers) die luisteren naar hun verhaal. “We doen niet aan intakeformulieren,” zegt Rianne. “Jongeren kunnen gewoon binnenlopen of chatten.”
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
Het gesprek met Rianne Klaasen gaat over veel meer dan alleen zorg. Over opvoeding, over ouders die alles willen oplossen, over jongeren die nooit hebben leren falen. En over de kracht van gewoon aanwezig zijn.
🎧 Luister hier de uitzending van Vijf Dagen terug
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