More than 32,000 students from 24 Dutch universities of applied sciences and universities took part in the second measurement of the Monitor on Mental Health and Substance Use among Higher Education Students (MMMS). The study is conducted by the Trimbos Institute, RIVM and GGD GHOR Netherlands on behalf of the Ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). The measurement took place between April and May 2023.

Slight improvement, but problems remain

The 2023 results continue to demonstrate the importance of attention to student well-being. The picture from the second measurement largely corresponds to that of the first measurement in 2021: many students experience high levels of performance pressure and stress.

There are indications, however, that mental health has improved in some respects compared with 2021. Fewer students experience emotional exhaustion, frequent performance pressure and feelings of loneliness. Students rate their lives an average of 6.7, and more than half (54%) of students have an average or high level of resilience.

Jolien Dopmeijer, project leader for Students at the Trimbos Institute: “After 2021, more students with psychological problems received advice or help for them. The end of the coronavirus pandemic may have played a role here, because contact with sources of help became easier. The increased attention to the mental health of young adults may also have contributed.”

But many students still experience anxiety and depression symptoms (44%) and (very) high levels of stress (56%). The most frequently mentioned sources of stress are their studies (61%) and the high cost of daily life (41%). Students who have plenty of time for relaxing activities or who feel a great deal of social support experience fewer problems. In 2023, just under half of the participating students no longer experienced consequences of the coronavirus crisis for their mental health (41%) and loneliness (46%).

Alcohol and drug use remains at the same level

Alcohol use does not appear to have decreased in 2023 compared with 2021 and remains excessive, heavy or risky among a relatively large number of students. For example, 16% of the students who took part in this study are heavy drinkers. This means they drink at least 4 (women) or 6 (men) glasses of alcohol in one day at least once a week. This means there are still concerns about the risks associated with the high level of alcohol use.

Daily or regular vaping (4%) is also becoming more popular. Frequent cannabis use, recent psychedelic use and the use of sleeping pills and sedatives without a doctor’s prescription are less common in 2023 than in 2021. Students who live in student housing or have high student debt, among others, use substances more frequently.

“Unlike with psychological problems, only a small proportion of students receive help or advice because of problems caused by substance use. The main reason is that students with substance-use problems do not feel a need for help or advice,” says Jolien Dopmeijer.

Focus particularly on strengthening the social and societal context

According to the researchers, the results of the measurement show that students’ mental health problems and substance use cannot be viewed separately from their social and societal environment. This includes factors such as living situation, financial burdens, social support, social media, gaming and gambling, membership of a sports club, having experienced stressful events, and the impact of societal problems such as the tight housing market, the high cost of daily life and the climate.

“We must continue to expand our knowledge of mental health and continue to strengthen students’ resilience,” says Jolien Dopmeijer. “But action must also be taken, especially in the social and societal environment, to promote students’ mental health and prevent or reduce risky substance use among them. This requires an integrated approach: from parents and/or caregivers, education, prevention and healthcare, policy, science and society, explicitly working together with students.”

Download the report: Monitor on Mental Health and Substance Use among Higher Education Students 2023

Download the factsheet Monitor on Mental Health and Substance Use among Students 2023