Quality of Life for People with Long-Term Mental Illnesses Lags Behind

January 16, 2026 – The quality of⁢ life of people with long-term mental⁣ health conditions⁣ is lower than that of the general population. Physical complaints are common and support is‍ needed ⁤in multiple life domains. At the same⁤ time,people report positive experiences,such as feeling⁢ that caregivers focus on⁢ possibilities and⁢ doing meaningful activities. These findings come from the latest 2025 ⁤survey of the Psychisch Gezien panel, which included 654 participants.

Lower quality of life but satisfaction with living situation
Panel members rate their lives with an average grade of⁤ 6.3, while the ⁢general population gives an average of 7.6. Panel members are generally dissatisfied with life areas such as mental and physical health. They give an average of 4.2 on a 7-point scale. However, panel members are ⁤satisfied with their living situation (5.7). 89% live independently or with supported living.

More than a quarter of the panel members worry about money
For most panel members (69%), a benefit is their main source of income. 27% often worry about money; this is especially⁣ true for‍ people with a benefit⁣ and/or allowances. 60%⁣ manage finances themselves, while ⁤15% receive professional support with this.

Along with mental complaints,physical complaints⁢ are also experienced
88% of the panel members experienced feelings of anxiety and/or depression in the‍ past four weeks. The most frequently mentioned‍ complaints are ⁢depression⁢ (52%) and anxiety (48%). In addition, 60% have one or more‍ chronic physical conditions.

Loneliness is common
80% of the panel members‍ feel lonely to some extent, 36% even feel strongly⁢ lonely. 80% have someone in their network who offers a listening ⁤ear, but 20% have no one. 63% feel ‍that they can meen something to others.

Paid work and social involvement remain difficult
participation in work‍ and other social activities remains limited. Such as, 21% of the panel members have paid work and 39% do volunteer‍ work. However, a large proportion ⁣indicate that they go outside every day. The feeling of social involvement is low: a quarter⁣ feel part of society and a third somewhat.at the same time, two thirds know what⁣ they‍ are good at, but ⁣a quarter do not think‍ they ⁢are worth the effort.

Discrimination and stigma remain

Quality of Life for People ⁣with Long-Term Mental Health Conditions Shows Enhancement in ⁣Some Areas

Recent data from the Panel Psychisch⁤ Gezien (Psychically Seen ⁢Panel) indicates improvements in the quality of life ‍for individuals⁣ with long-term mental health ⁤conditions in the Netherlands. Specifically, there was a⁢ decrease in the proportion of⁣ people receiving mental health care support and a reduction in the frequency of crisis ‍situations. Moreover, needs⁢ related to daily activities, finding appropriate help, and finding⁢ meaning⁤ in life were more frequently ‍enough⁣ met. More detailed data is available ‍in the report (in Dutch).

The Panel Psychisch Gezien

The Panel ‍Psychisch Gezien is ⁣a large, national panel comprised ⁤of and for people with long-term mental health conditions. It monitors their living situations, well-being, and ⁤social inclusion process. The panel also gauges client opinions and ‍preferences⁤ on current issues affecting this population and ⁢collects knowledge that can inform policy. More information about the Panel Psychisch Gezien is available here (in Dutch).

Trimbos Institute

The data originates from the Trimbos Institute, a leading Dutch knowledge center for mental ⁤health and addiction.⁢

Verification Status (as of 2026/01/16 15:42:11):

While a direct English translation of the reports linked is⁣ unavailable, the Trimbos Institute website ⁣remains active and continues to publish research on ⁢mental health in the Netherlands. A search for related news articles confirms the⁣ Trimbos Institute’s ongoing work with the Panel Psychisch Gezien. No breaking news or contradictory information regarding these findings has emerged since the original publication. The information presented appears consistent with the Trimbos Institute’s stated mission and research focus.