Hi everyone,
I’m based in the Netherlands and would love to hear what Dutch people think - voel je vrij om in het Nederlands te reageren :)
For a school project, I was asked to contribute to society by completing a personal “challenge” tied to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I chose to focus on mental well-being, because it is something I deeply care about.
While doing research, I came across recent suicide statistics from the last five years in the Netherlands. The numbers were truly alarming. It reminded me how many people are silently struggling, especially men, even in the spaces we walk through every day.
So I decided to do something small, but hopefully meaningful. I took a marker, a stack of sticky notes, and walked through my city, placing handwritten messages in random public spots - on benches, poles, mirrors, bus stops… anywhere someone might see them and pause.
Here are a few of the messages I left: 📝 “You’ve got this.” 📝 “You will stop feeling this way, it will pass.” 📝 “Talk about it. Trust me.” 📝 “You are not alone.” 📝 “Just focus on today.” 📝 “It’s going to be okay, I promise.” 📝 “What you feel is temporary, not permanent.” 📝 “Reach out.” 📝 “Those closest to you want to know how you are TRULY doing.”
It may not be a huge project, but I truly believe that even a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect. Maybe one of these notes will reach someone at the right moment - and make them feel seen, even if just for a second.
I decided to share it here to raise awareness and also hear what others think.
Do you think things like this matter? Could a small reminder or kind word impact someone who might be feeling hopeless or suicidal? Has something simple like this ever helped you?
I would appreciate your honest thoughts and opinions<3
Thank you for reading. Let’s keep spreading kindness and compassion - especially when it’s quiet 💛
I loooovveee this! Absolutely love it. It’s the little things that can really impact on us, and it’s a brilliant thing for you to be doing.
A few years ago I mentioned on reddit I had depression and was struggling, a woman started messaging me sometimes checking in. I really remember it years later it’s one of the nicest things anyone ever did for me… so yes your notes could really help.
one time i was at the grocery store, as we all are at times, and a little kid, 7 or 8 y/o, walked up to me and said “excuse me… this is for you” and she handed me a pin-on button that said something like “you are loved”
i said wow that’s sweet thank you! and she walked away. it was like a 5 second encounter, but sticks in my mind as one of the nicest things some random anonymous stranger has done.
the sticky notes are a good idea, maybe compare results with actually handing something like that to people you interact with- the waiter at a restaurant, the bus driver, the librarian, etc. best of luck
That’s awesome.
No notes.
Paint messages on small rocks. Trust me, do this thing.
If it helps even one person, it’s worth it.
A tiny word in the right place could absolutely make the difference on that day - you’re likely working with people who have a constant negative internal voice, and possibly all other sources of positivity and support in their lives have gone - who have thought or heard nothing positive for hours or days. Perhaps it’s not a lot, but sometimes a tiny shred of positivity, kindness or beauty can make enough of a change for today.
I think it’s a great project you’re doing.
