When Autonomy Hurts: A Dutch Mental Health Crisis | Amsterdam News

In the Netherlands, young women battling severe mental health crises—suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and eating disorders—are being left behind by traditional care. Some clinics are experimenting with an “autonomy-promoting policy,” withholding treatment even when patients beg for help, hoping to force them to reclaim control. But with no guidelines or proven success, the approach has backfired for many, including a tragic 2024 suicide of a 24-year-old denied care. Advocates warn this isn’t the answer without proper research and safeguards—highlighting how fragile and failing mental health systems can be when they’re forced to improvise. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c1d9d50b12b01c8d