During the royal family’s annual press conference, the three daughters of Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander spoke candidly about something many young people face daily: performance pressure, social media, and mental health. And most of all: the feeling that you always have to be ‘on’.
Their mother, Queen Máxima, has been committed to young people’s mental health for years through the MIND Us Foundation. But this time, it was her daughters who shared their own experiences with this issue.
“There is a lot of pressure to perform”
“We really feel this in our generation,” said Princess Amalia. “There’s so much pressure — to do well in school, to keep up socially, and especially now with social media.” Princess Alexia recognized it instantly: “I know better than anyone how deeply social media and comparing yourself to others can affect a person.”
These words show that no matter your background, everyone feels mental pressure. Breaking the taboo begins right there: by admitting openly that sometimes it all gets too heavy. That you’re drained from scrolling, feeling insecure, lonely, or overwhelmed.
“At my parents’ house it was okay not to be okay”
Princess Amalia explained that her parents raised her to feel she could simply be herself. “What I’m most grateful for is that they never made our home a place where perfection was expected.” Not about perfect looks, top grades, or having everything under control. Amalia: “At my parents’ home, it was safe to not be okay. That’s what they taught us.”
That’s a message many young people can relate to. You don’t always have to have everything perfectly fine. Even when things aren’t going your way, that’s okay too.
Scrolling late into the night
When questioned about their “scrolling habit,” the princesses answered with disarming honesty. Alexia sets a timer that warns her after fifteen minutes. Amalia, laughing, whispered: “I just put my code back in. And before you know it, it’s two in the morning and you’re still lying there wide awake.”
Many young people will recognize themselves in this. What helps is learning to deal with it. As Alexia said: “This is one of those things that will stay, but we’ll have to learn to manage it in moderation.”
Ariane as a listening ear
Another thing that stood out is how vital it is to have people around you who truly listen. The princesses explained that they often talk with friends and family, but that it’s their youngest sister Ariane they can always rely on for a caring ear.
Do you need a listening ear?
Looking for a listening ear? @ease is here for you — even in the summer. We’re here to listen, no matter how big or small your concerns are. You’re always welcome. Because truly: it’s okay not to be okay.
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This article is adapted from an article in LINDA. For years, Queen Máxima has been a passionate advocate for young people’s mental health in the Netherlands, in her role as honorary chair of the MIND Us foundation. She is seen as a symbol of the movement against mental health problems. Image: ©RVD