Art that stays with you.

The Struggle with the ‘Monkey Mind’

Armin van Buuren has been at the top of the dance industry for decades. Thousands of fans cheer him on during his shows, but behind the scenes a different battle is going on. “For me, mental health is how I deal with the ‘Monkey Mind’, that inner voice that keeps me awake at night and tells me what I still have to do or what I didn't do well enough,” says Armin.

That inner restlessness is something he struggled with for a long time. “Five years ago I started working on myself seriously, I went into therapy and I created a ‘baseline’. A kind of base I can always fall back on, so I don't have to reach for anything numbing.”

The full story is in the story collection

From the outside in

Simon Keizer is a singer and presenter. With Nick Schilder he formed the successful musical duo Nick & Simon. With his solo show ‘Ruimte’ Simon is touring theatres across the Netherlands this year.

Being present

Being mentally healthy means, to me: not getting lost in my thoughts. Thoughts are just thoughts: you are not what you think. Worries are usually about yesterday or tomorrow, while we only ever live now. Balance, for me, is being in the now as much as possible, without losing yourself in the churning of your head.

Loss and numbness

My father died when I was fifteen. A year later came the New Year's fire in Volendam, in which fourteen people lost their lives. I survived, but the events followed each other so quickly that I developed a mechanism for not having to feel. It was too much. Only years later did I realise how emotionally underdeveloped I had become because of it. I had to learn to feel again. That process, painful, confronting but also liberating, led to great insights. It has been a rollercoaster, but one I would not have wanted to miss.

The full story is in the story collection

When I grow up, I'll show everyone what I'm worth.

Imanuelle Grives (40) is an actress, presenter, writer and social worker. She plays roles in theatre, film and television and wrote the autobiographical book ‘Vechtershart’ (Fighter's Heart). She also takes part in reality programmes such as Wie is de Mol? and Special Forces VIPS.

Pieces of the puzzle

A year ago I found out I have ADHD, and a lot of puzzle pieces fell into place. Before that I had often searched for where some of my behaviour came from, behaviour I couldn't quite explain. Why do I like to seek out tension? How come I can go over a remark for days or weeks, when I'm not insecure at all? Now I know: my brain simply works differently. I have learned that when I start overthinking, I ‘thank’ my brain for the information but just don't go along with it. That may sound a little strange, but it works for me.

The full story is in the story collection

Merlijn (1998) and Vlinder (2005) Kamerling are the children of Antonie Kamerling and Isa Hoes. Merlijn is a writer and entrepreneur, Vlinder an entrepreneur and student. Together they started the lifestyle brand Limitless, with an important message: more attention for mental health, and making it something you can talk about. Their father died when they were still children.

Training your mental health

Merlijn: For me, mental health is everything. For a long time I was mainly focused on my body, I trained to get stronger. But at some point I only looked in the mirror to see if my muscles were growing. And it was precisely through that training that I found out: my head needs it at least as much. The older I get, the more I see that one doesn't work without the other. You have to train your mental health just as much as your body, in a way that works for you.

The full story is in the story collection

Living in survival mode, and learning to feel again.

Janike Altena is a successful DJ with a background in professional dance. She only started as DJ JEA in 2024. Within a month she won a competition by Freddy Moreira and played a festival. Shortly after came international bookings, and in one year her online community grew by more than 160,000 followers.

Career path

Before I became a DJ, I was a professional dancer. Festivals, shows, the entertainment world, I was right in the middle of it. Until glandular fever literally brought me to a standstill. I was exhausted, lost my strength and had to recover for months. After that my path shifted to coaching. I guided dancers, models and artists in performance, presentation and self-confidence. I also worked as creative director at Miss Nederland, where I helped young women feel mentally and physically stronger. A role in which I helped others grow, but was also constantly confronted with my own insecurities.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Elize (1982) is a singer and television presenter. Until the age of 14 she sang with ‘Kinderen voor Kinderen’. She grew from a shy girl into a self-assured performer who made singing both her profession and her anchor. She scored a big hit with ‘Automatic’ and presented several television programmes, including the first season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

From shy to self-assured

As a child I found auditions terrifying. At Kinderen voor Kinderen I often stood at the back; my uncle joked that he needed binoculars to spot me on TV. Over the years my confidence grew. My first solo, the “Tieten Lied”, I found enormously nerve-racking. The song was about puberty and physical change, something I was right in the middle of myself. Afraid of reactions at school, I even cancelled at first. In the end I dared after all, and ever since, performing has felt like a place of strength for me. When I sing, I feel sure of myself.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

The Power of Perseverance

For Ferry Corsten, mental health is about being yourself without constantly worrying about what others think. “You should be able to do what you love without the pressure of social media or the fear of being judged,” he says.

In a time when everyone is constantly online, it can be hard to stay true to your own path. “Social media has become a place where people hide behind a screen and criticise others. But in the end you shouldn't let that determine your self-worth.”

Hear the full story at the Tour.

From musical dream to reality

Ruben de Ronde lives the dream of many young musicians. As a DJ and producer he plays the biggest stages in the world, from Ultra Music Festival to Tomorrowland. But behind the success lies a mental struggle that many artists in the dance industry will recognise. The extreme highs of performing stand in sharp contrast to the loneliness that can follow.

“One moment you're playing for 15,000 people, the next you're alone in a hotel room,” Ruben says. “You go from a huge dopamine rush to complete silence. You have to learn to process that contrast.”

Hear the full story at the Tour.

The Power of Vulnerability

Over the past 16 years, Jitske Visser has embarked on an impressive journey, from a young wheelchair basketball talent to one of the most experienced players on the Dutch team. During the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, she and her team achieved Olympic gold. At 31, she has reached the top by developing herself both athletically and personally. As the president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Jitske inspires with her dedication, experience, and commitment to connection and growth, both within her team and beyond.

Understanding Yourself

“Mental health is a broad concept with many facets. It’s about how you relate to yourself and others, how you tackle daily challenges, and how this is perceived by you and those around you.” For Jitske, mental health is closely linked to physical health. “When I feel stress or tension, I immediately notice it in my body.” As an athlete, she relies on her physical condition to perform well. Some days are better than others, but she sees a direct impact on her performance on the basketball court when she feels mentally strong. “Being mentally balanced is crucial for me to get the best out of myself, both in sports and in life.”

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Mohamedou was born in Mauritania and after secondary school received a scholarship to study in Germany, where he became an engineer. In 2001, after 9/11, he was arrested without charge and eventually transferred to Guantánamo Bay, where he was wrongfully held for 15 years. Mohamedou sees it as his mission to be the voice against injustice and to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. His story has been published in 25 languages in the book Guantánamo Diary and was made into the film The Mauritanian.

Isa Hoes (1967) is an actress, entrepreneur and writer. With her great love, Antonie Kamerling, she has two children: Merlijn and Vlinder. Twelve years ago she lost Antonie to suicide. Isa stresses how important it is to get to know yourself and develop your own identity. She compares the world to a large string of beads, in which everyone is responsible for one another, otherwise the string breaks.

Art Tour

The Mental Health Art Tour is a travelling exhibition that could be seen and experienced from 22 April on the Jan van Galenstraat in Amsterdam, and from mid-May on the Amstel. With striking portraits, the exhibition tells the stories of a number of well-known Dutch people about their mental health. Mental health is about being resilient and feeling strong, being able to adapt, setting boundaries and taking charge of your own life.

Thomas Dekker, a former Dutch professional cyclist, achieved great success at a young age. In 2009, however, he was suspended for doping. After his return his cycling career was difficult, and about seven years ago he rode his last race. Since then Thomas has been on a personal search for himself and his mental health.

In 2014 Lena lost her sister Miranda to femicide. Miranda, a mother of three, was murdered by her partner after years of a destructive relationship. Lena describes the last years of Miranda's life as a ‘strange kind of Russian roulette’. Trauma therapy helped Lena pick up her life again: “Trauma therapy was the difference between life and death for me. I have my happy life back.” She remains in therapy to process the loss and stresses the importance of attention for trauma.

Art Tour

The Mental Health Art Tour is a travelling exhibition that could be seen and experienced from 22 April on the Jan van Galenstraat in Amsterdam, and from mid-May on the Amstel. With striking portraits, the exhibition tells the stories of a number of well-known Dutch people about their mental health. Mental health is about being resilient and feeling strong, being able to adapt, setting boundaries and taking charge of your own life.

After personal challenges, such as his parents' divorce, Wouter went into therapy and learned to understand his brain better. He explored various techniques to influence his mind in a positive way and decided to make this his work: teaching others to ‘train mentally’. Wouter believes that a healthy world begins with a healthy mind and wants to contribute to a better world for his daughter and her generation.

Art Tour

The Mental Health Art Tour is a travelling exhibition that could be seen and experienced from 22 April on the Jan van Galenstraat in Amsterdam, and from mid-May on the Amstel. With striking portraits, the exhibition tells the stories of a number of well-known Dutch people about their mental health. Mental health is about being resilient and feeling strong, being able to adapt, setting boundaries and taking charge of your own life.

Living consciously.

Through personal circumstances, Robert Bridgeman found his way to a more conscious and spiritual life. In a short time he transformed from an unhappy man who smoked and drank too much into a kind, inspiring and athletic person. His fast and deep change surprised both himself and those around him. Robert believes that “every human being is the Universe in a temporary form.” Awareness of the transience of life, he says, helps to overcome addictions and fears and to live more consciously. He decided to help others on their path to a more conscious and happier life.

Jörgen Raymann is a renowned comedian and programme maker who now runs a consultancy for companies. He is also a caregiver for his wife. In 2016 Jörgen lost his regular slot at the NPO and it became known that he was struggling with enormous debts. He lived a luxurious lifestyle, sometimes spending thousands of euros a day. Jörgen has also been through difficult times, such as the loss of his sister Peggy, drug use and the discovery of a tumour. Now he says: “I was an arrogant prick, now a self-aware one.” With his portrait and story we draw attention to caregivers and the loneliness that often comes with that task.

Life comes in many forms: you can fall ill, lose loved ones or run into other setbacks along the way.

Tamara has not come through life unscathed either. Thanks to therapy she has learned to deal with her traumas. She also looked for role models and was inspired by people like Steve Biko, Viktor Frankl and Edith Eva Eger. Tamara realised that taking good care of yourself is not only about enough sleep and healthy food, but that mental care has to be added to that. Only then does personal growth happen. There are very practical tools you can easily apply in your daily life that really make a difference. From breathing exercises and silent retreats to professional support. It is about connecting with yourself. That at any moment of the day you can choose to do it differently. And that is not airy-fairy. I always say: your car isn't damage-free either, it needs its inspection and maintenance.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

A New Start after twenty years on the street

Interview with Patrick van der Jagt | by Tamara Swart

After twenty years of homelessness, Patrick van der Jagt returned to society. For years he lived on the streets of Rotterdam, his days spent scraping money together and looking for a place to sleep. His life was ruled by addictions to cocaine and heroin and by work in prostitution. Then everything changed during Het Rotterdam Project in 2018. In a moving episode Patrick gave up his addictions on national television, and since then his life has taken a completely new direction. He found love, became a father, and developed into a successful photographer and motivational speaker. Patrick's story is one of self-love, resilience and the hard life on the street.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Some people talk. I make music.

Cem Araci, better known as Outsiders, has been at the top of the Dutch dance scene for years. A true son of The Hague and a hard worker, who only broke through late.

I knew early on: this will be my life

My whole life I have been busy with music. I even remember my first playback show when I was three. My mother still has footage of it somewhere. Hidden deep away, I hope. From the age of twelve I was mixing records, making music and doing everything that came with it. Music was never something I did on the side. I knew fairly young: this is what I want to do.

From small bars to big stages

But that road didn't look the way people might think. Before I played the big festivals, I spent years playing in back-street bars and shady after-party tents in The Hague. I worked deep into the night, hung around record shops to meet other DJs and tried to create opportunities everywhere. That was quite a dark period. But I'm a real Hagenees and simply a hard worker. My breakthrough only came much later. Which makes me all the happier with what I have now.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Coming home to myself

Fabian Bohn is known as a DJ under the name Brennan Heart. For 25 years he has been a successful Dutch hardstyle DJ and producer, at home and abroad.

The outside

There was a time when everything on the outside was right. Full venues, cheering crowds. My audience saw a happy man, but inside I felt empty. I stood on stage, smiled at tens of thousands of people, and thought: where am I, actually? The years of my greatest successes were also the years I was at my lowest mentally. My parents both died young, my brother fell ill and I felt the responsibility to stay strong. I took care of everyone, except myself. Music became my refuge, my way out, my anaesthetic.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

My child doesn't have to carry my baggage

Kim Feenstra (1985) is an actress, model and photographer. She won Holland’s Next Topmodel and took part in the programme Het Perfecte Plaatje. Kim is open about her difficult childhood and campaigns against passing on intergenerational trauma.

The annual check-up

Many people think you're done once you've processed your traumas. But in reality that is when it begins. When you understand where your patterns come from, the search for who you really are starts. Then you have to face yourself, not only with a gentle look but precisely in the mirror when it hurts. I believe that everyone, whatever their past, should go to therapy at least once or twice a year. Not because something is wrong with you, but because it is an investment in yourself, just like going to the gym or taking your car in for its inspection.

The full story is in the story collection

Music as a language, when words fall short

Laura van Dam (1995) is a DJ and producer and a host at SLAM! Radio. She performs internationally and makes her own music. For her, music is a language and a way to connect, to persevere and to find mental balance in a life full of movement.

Music as a language

Music connects people without words and makes you feel you belong. Something special happens on the dance floor: everyone is equal and everyone shares the same moment. That feeling started for me when my mother took me to Solar Festival. I saw DJs perform and knew immediately that this was what I wanted. Being together, moving together, connected without explanation. What began as curiosity became my passion; what began as listening became creating. In the end, music became my language.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Happiness is not a destination

Guido Weijers (1977) is a comedian and theatre maker. He is known for his sharp observations, humour and his open way of talking about happiness, mental health and life itself. In his work and conversations he explores what it means to be human, with everything that comes with it: doubt, pain, pleasure and meaning.

Discomfort

We live in a time when spirituality is sometimes confused with keeping your distance. As if you're only ‘enlightened’ once nothing touches you anymore. I don't believe in the idea that we always have to ‘rise above everything’, that we have to put everything in perspective and are no longer allowed to feel anything. Feeling is precisely what makes life alive. The uncomfortable things too. Shame, sadness, anger, doubt, they are part of it. And honestly: I'm glad I can feel them. It's a good thing that you feel some shame in a supermarket when your child acts up. In life it is simply useful that things sometimes get to you. That doesn't make me less aware, it makes me human. That doesn't make life weaker, it makes it richer.

The full story is in the story collection

Geesje was homeless for more than 25 years and a familiar face on the Wilhelminaplein in Eindhoven, always friendly and smiling, despite her hard past. Her life began with difficulty, and she never really felt at home. At 18 she ended up on the street and travelled through countless cities from then on.

Geesje recently passed away, and artist Kim Clerx made this artwork to carry on Geesje's dream: that people look beyond their prejudices and see homeless people as people with a story and feelings, just like everyone else. Everyone has a story, and something going on in their mind.

De Springplank

De Springplank invites everyone to pause and, together, break the silence around homelessness. During Dutch Design Week, Stichting Springplank is present with activities that raise awareness of homelessness. This year the focus is on breaking stigmas and strengthening the dialogue around this social issue.

Ultimate mental wellbeing is being in harmony with yourself and feeling that life is going the way it is meant to go. It is like coming home to yourself and realising “this is how it may be.” I am privileged to experience that myself. As an example, I found my calling as a psychiatrist. That is of course not a metaphysical fate, but it does feel that way. This profession gives me meaning and I hope I am reasonably good at it. My wife, my children and everything life seems to consist of also bring me home. I say this to myself too. It is the core of what I want to leave behind in this world. My conversations, books and podcasts are merely an outcome of my core idea. The people who come to my consultation with their grief, shortcomings and problems, and who can say they benefited from it, that is what it is really about.

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Roos Moggré is a journalist and presenter at EenVandaag on radio and television and a columnist for LINDA. She wrote the book ‘Altijd blijven scheren’ (Always Keep Shaving). She studied International Relations at Utrecht University and Journalism at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. Roos has experienced first-hand what it means to have panic attacks and burnout. From that experience she talks with well-known men who are in the thick of life, successful and familiar with mental challenges. They speak honestly, with perspective and sometimes with humour about their personal demons. That is what Roos's book of interviews is about: an invitation to men to talk more about their mental problems. And to always keep shaving, however deep in the pit you are.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Interview with State Secretary Vincent Karremans | by Tamara Swart. For me, mental health is just as important as physical health. It largely determines how you feel, and therefore your happiness. Whether you start a day cheerful or gloomy, it all has to do with your mental state. In the end it is about being happy. And mental health plays an essential role in that.

Stress and workload

In my work I often come across situations that are not always pleasant. It can sometimes feel as if you are drowning in work, which is why it is crucial to stay positive and find room to relax. In between I take time to put my thoughts in order so that I don't go to bed stressed. I think it is important to process stress without taking it out on the people around me. Recognising stressful moments and giving them a place is something I pay a lot of attention to in my daily life.

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We can cope with our crazy world by returning to our roots. We can cope with our crazy world, together. Provided we become radically human, in the original sense of radix, root. Seeing through who we are, who we were and who we will always be. Taking care of our inner human being: sleeping, eating, moving, playing and resting. Learning to trust ourselves again, not because we are perfect, but precisely because we are vulnerable beings who can do nothing but try our best. Living courageously.

Doing the things we find important in the world, not out of a hunger for success but because they are meaningful to us. We can cope with our crazy world by returning to our roots. By placing ourselves in the wider context of all those others. That personal network in which we are connected to fallible, vulnerable people who are also simply doing their best, whom we dare to trust, just as much as ourselves.

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At seventeen, Dai chose a life as a soldier. His career with the Dutch Special Forces began at twenty, after successfully completing the gruelling commando training. As a Special Forces medic, Dai developed a deep interest in physiology, psychology, biology and neurology. Over years of experience he built up knowledge of mental strength, which he shares through a book and a model for strengthening mental resilience in individuals and organisations. Scan the QR code to get to know Dai's mental strength model and test your own mental strength.

The mental strength model

How can you arm yourself against today's world? Dai gives practical tips so you can build your mental strength, because today's world demands it. Dai's model is based on the following definition: mental strength consists of all the physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual skills and processes that positively influence consciousness.

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Els van Steijn (1969) is a coach, family and organisational constellation facilitator and bestselling author. Together with the team De Fontein, made up of professionals she trained, she carries out her mission through constellations, coaching, workshops and her online programme: letting the next generations be systemically cleaner and less burdened. Her contribution to an even more beautiful world.

Surrender

“In my view, someone is mentally healthy when they are able to reassure themselves in difficult situations, have resilience when needed and can accept the ‘here and now’ as it is,” says Els van Steijn. “After that surrender you can do what is appropriate and ‘right’. Emotional processing may still be needed afterwards, or another form of action may be asked of you, but ‘first things first’. Mental health therefore comes down to being willing to carry your own fate as an adult. If you structurally refuse to face your fate, the next generation will carry it for you.”

Hear the full story at the Tour.

It comes and goes in waves.

Karen van Ruiten is programme director at Alles is Gezondheid and the Institute for Positive Health. She works on innovations in care and health. With Tamara Swart, founder of the Mental Health Art Tour, she talks about resilience and how you can learn to look differently.

Cradle

Where your cradle stands largely determines your chances of good health. It affects many factors, such as education or income, and therefore how healthy you are. In a prosperous country like the Netherlands that can make a difference of eight years in life expectancy. I realise that if my cradle had stood somewhere else, I would have had different chances. I think we should keep that humanity in mind and help each other. Not individualisation but solidarity, also when it comes to health.

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It is okay to be vulnerable and to ask for help.

Marvy Rieder, the visionary founder of the Model’s Health Pledge foundation, puts ‘compassion’ and ‘authenticity’ at the centre of everything she does. Self-knowledge and surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you are essential for making authentic decisions and achieving goals. Marvy's mental health ritual includes expressing gratitude every day and setting a positive intention on waking. After all, you are what you think. Gratitude and positive intentions play an important role in daily life: by expressing them you create happiness and positivity. By holding on to these positive habits Marvy creates a foundation of calm and confidence from which to develop beautiful projects. The Model’s Health Pledge platform works for a safe and healthy working environment in the fashion industry. Its motto, “without ethics there is no aesthetics”, underlines the importance of health and wellbeing for fashion professionals.

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Openness leads to a happier life.

Nadine Swagerman is the author of the young adult novels ‘Wat we niet zeggen’, ‘Aan de andere kant van geluk’, ‘Maar ik ben jou niet’ and ‘Eén waarheid’. She won the Jonge Jury Debut Prize 2019.

As a teenager she was looking for recognition, longing for stories that reflected her sexual feelings and inner struggles. Unfortunately such stories were rare. That is why she now weaves these themes into her books, so that young people can recognise themselves and get the acknowledgement they deserve.

‘Maar ik ben jou niet’ tells the story of sixteen-year-old Jamie, who has been placed out of her home because her mother could no longer care for her. Jamie has to find her way in a foster family while struggling with her identity and her past. When strange things start to happen, Jamie begins to doubt her safety. As in all her books, this work pays attention to queer representation, and also deals with themes such as addiction and mental health problems.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Everyone is different, everyone experiences challenges and problems.

Hans Looijen, former CEO of Stichting Dolhuys and responsible for the Museum of the Mind, has played an important role in bringing outsider art to the fore in Dutch cultural institutions. With his dedication he contributed to the growth of the museum collection, with around 1,400 works acquired with the support of private donors. His efforts were rewarded with the European Museum of the Year Award in 2022, recognising the Museum of the Mind as a pioneering institution for outsider art. The Museum of the Mind is a museum about the strength and vulnerability of your own mind and that of others. The museum is interested in the artwork between your ears.

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Roland believes in fulfilment, with room for improvement, every day anew.

Roland Kahn is a Dutch entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the popular clothing chain CoolCat. He was born on 4 December 1952 in Amsterdam. Roland comes from a family hit hard by the Second World War and the Holocaust, in which most of his grandparents' families were murdered. As the only one of five brothers to have children of his own, he realises how fortunate he was to know his passion at a young age.

For him, mental strength and health begin with self-love, love for others, passion, energy, drive and having a clear goal in mind. He therefore places great value on self-discipline. He credits himself with being curious and eager to learn, with a lot of passion and energy. This allows him to be involved in many things, such as supporting his two sons who have taken over the management of his companies, or encouraging his daughter, a talented artist who is mainly committed to helping others. Although he no longer earns money himself, everything he brings in goes to charity, including the proceeds of his book. Spirituality, such as Kabbalah, also plays an important role in his life. Since October 2022 he has become a father again, a huge motivation to achieve his next challenge: reaching a healthy one hundred.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Choose health every day.

Joep Rovers (33) is an entrepreneur, lifestyle expert and writer. Joep is an example of how personal experience and perseverance can lead to success. For years he had eczema, “chronic,” they said. Until he radically changed his lifestyle and got rid of it. Since then he has been on a mission: helping people towards optimal health. His journey led from improving his own health to founding Elvou, a brand that promotes transparency and effectiveness in the health industry. By changing his own life, Joep now helps others do the same. His story is about the importance of self-confidence, health and making your own choices.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

You make your own happiness.

Jamie has been through a very difficult period herself and knows how hard it can be to come out of a depression. Yet many people don't dare to talk about it. That touches her, because she has experienced what it is like not to be happy and she knows how much pressure that puts on her and on the people around her. The idea for a book arose when Julie Vranckx contacted Jamie because she is open about mental health on social media. And so the ball started rolling.

Jamie regularly meets up with friends to keep herself busy, because she knows that is really important for her personally. On the other hand it is also good to be at home with her boyfriend and dog and simply relax. Above all it is important that she does things she wants to do herself and not what others expect of her. Is that easy? No, absolutely not, especially not in her field. That is why in her free time she tries not to be too busy with social media, but with the people around her instead.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Life has its ups and downs and everything in between.

Locally and nationally, the number of people with mental health complaints is rising fast. Especially among young people between 16 and 25, where six out of ten face such problems. Juul van Hoof of GGD Amsterdam focuses her efforts on understanding and addressing this growing mental health problem.

The anonymity of a city can evoke feelings of isolation, even amid the crowds. Young people and young adults experience increasing pressure from factors such as housing, performance pressure and the challenges of life, which contributes to these problems.

For me, mental health is essential, and everyone has their own challenges. Life has its ups and downs and everything in between. Sometimes it feels like a difficult period and sometimes like a relief. Sharing those moments, as I do in my work, lightens the load and offers valuable insights. Realising you are not alone in your challenges contributes to a sense of connection and understanding, both for yourself and for others.

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Rosa Jansen, chair of Victim Support Netherlands and the Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling foundation, has an impressive career in the judiciary and victim support. After studying Dutch law at Leiden University and an MPA in The Hague and Canada, she worked as a lawyer and judge at various courts. She headed the criminal division in Utrecht, chaired SSR, the training institute for the judiciary, and was chair of the NVvR, the Dutch association of judges and public prosecutors. Since 2017 she has focused on victim support and restorative justice, and is also active internationally as president of Victim Support Europe in Brussels. Rosa has published various articles on the judiciary, innovation and leadership and works for a society that understands and supports victims better.

Hear the full story at the Tour.

Discover the power of silence.

It is like a breath of fresh air for the overcrowded mind, a moment of calm amid the chaos. It is not easy, learning this art of silence, because both brain and body are involved. The reaction is different for everyone, it can feel uncomfortable, but that is precisely where the transformation begins.

Machine

Our brain is a wondrous machine that constantly works overtime. Everything we experience, every sensation our senses pick up, every flash of sound or smell, it is all processed and stored. But what if that stream of information becomes too overwhelming? Our prefrontal cortex, the gatekeeper of our brain, becomes overloaded. More stimuli mean more pressure, and stress easily gains the upper hand. Meditation offers a way out of this flood of stimuli.

Hear the full story at the Tour.