Many young people with mental struggles don’t get the right support. Especially boys and young people with a migration background often stay under the radar. The @ease outreach programme shows it can be done differently.
That’s what peer-reviewed research shows, published in the scientific journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development in May 2025. The study was carried out by Maastricht University, together with @ease and care partners in Amsterdam, Heerlen and Maastricht.
Young people often seek help too late
Mental struggles are the main reason young people get stuck at school, work or in relationships. But only some of them get help in time. Stigma and shame play a role, but so do
The study shows that past experiences with mental health care really shape whether young people dare to ask for help again. If they felt ignored or not taken seriously, they often drop out. But when they’ve had good care, social support or low-threshold help, it gives them the confidence to take the next step.
Four reasons why young people don’t seek help
- Doubt and shame: Is my problem serious enough? Am I weak? Boys, in particular, associate seeking help with weakness.
- Accessibility: waiting lists, costs and unfamiliarity with the healthcare options are major obstacles
- Previous experiences: good care experiences lower the threshold, bad experiences are discouraging
- Network influence: Parents and friends can offer support, but can also unintentionally raise the bar. Mothers often play a stimulating role.
“I think it matters a lot that as a boy you have to be ‘strong’ or something. That really played a role for me.”
What does help?
In the interviews, young people also made suggestions for improvement:
- Proactive contact: actively approaching young people at school or in the neighborhood
- Low-threshold drop-in places: you can walk in without an appointment or referral
- Peer support: talking to peers who understand what it’s like creates recognition and trust
“By meeting peers who I recognized myself in – and who were already a bit further along – I thought: I want to do that too. And it really is possible.”
Valuable addition to healthcare
The researchers conclude that outreach programmes like @ease are a valuable addition to existing care services. By reaching out to young people, breaking stigma and creating safe spaces, access to care improves, especially for those who need it most.
“By actively reaching out to young people and starting conversations, we can prevent a lot of suffering and contribute to a better future for this group,” says lead researcher Casper Crombach.
Curious about all the results?
Read the full scientific article here, titled Everybody @ease – Reaching Out To Vulnerable Subgroups of Young People with Mental Health Problems in the Netherlands.
Do you have any questions about @ease or our methodology? Feel free to contact us; we’d be happy to tell you more.