Research shows that young people (aged 13–18) with depression or depressive feelings are willing to talk about their situation. However, the vast majority find it difficult to start the conversation themselves. At the same time, professionals find it challenging to properly organize support and assistance for young people and ensure that these are coordinated.
Earlier and better support
Professionals who begin working with Rondom Jong see young people daily or regularly. These include teachers at school, as well as youth healthcare services, the municipal public health service, (school) social workers, community teams, mental healthcare services, general practitioners and municipalities. Through the method, they work together to provide better information and ensure that information is easy to find, and they give lessons on resilience and low mood. Professionals also learn to recognize depression more effectively and know better how to find one another when young people experience symptoms. Finally, the partners assess whether they are doing the right things and what could still be improved. By actively addressing these issues, young people receive support earlier and of a higher quality.
Making it normal to talk about depression
State Secretary Paul Blokhuis (VWS) on Rondom Jong: “Every young person deserves the best possible support when they are feeling low. It is crucial that depressive symptoms are recognized quickly and that talking about them becomes normal. The Rondom Jong method helps achieve this. Professionals who are close to young people can significantly improve support services using the method. I call on all teachers and support workers to start using this method.”
Ordering the guide
The guide is intended for professionals who primarily work with young people and is part of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport’s Multi-Year Depression Prevention Programme. This programme is carried out by 19 organizations. The Rondom Jong method was developed by GGD GHOR Netherlands, the Trimbos Institute and the Netherlands Centre for Youth Health and can be ordered on the Trimbos website.