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 💛