Overview

• The RVS reports lifetime prevalence of mental disorders rose from 17% to 26% and estimates annual societal costs at roughly €18 billion, with work stress alone accounting for more than €3 billion and depression nearly €1 billion.
• The council points to practical levers such as cutting administrative burdens at work, improving handovers in healthcare, and adopting a statutory right to disconnect as seen in France and Australia.
• The advice frames a broader cultural direction built on connection, slowing down and embracing diversity to counter chronic pressure and isolation.
• NPO Radio 1 programs Stand.nl and Spraakmakers are carrying the discussion to the public with a focus on how responsibility should shift from individuals to shared solutions.
• RVS member Floortje Scheppers warns the situation will worsen without action, while psychiatrist Christiaan Vinkers notes similar alarms recur historically and presses for concrete measures rather than more diagnoses.