VINCENT KARREMANS
Asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
Interview with State Secretary Vincent Karremans | by Tamara Swart
Mental health is just as important to me as physical health. It largely determines how you feel and, therefore, your happiness. Whether you start the day cheerfully or gloomily, it all has to do with your mental state. Ultimately, it is about being happy. And mental health plays an essential role in that.
Stress and Work Pressure
In my work, I often encounter situations that aren't always pleasant. It can sometimes feel like you are drowning in work, which is why it is crucial to stay positive and find space to relax. In between, I take the time to organize my thoughts so that I don't go to bed stressed. I find it important to process stress without taking it out on those around me. Recognizing and acknowledging stressful moments is something I pay a lot of attention to in my daily life.
Finding balance
To maintain my mental balance, I talk a lot. I discuss my thoughts and feelings with my wife, but also with my brother and friends. In addition, physical activity, such as running, helps clear my head. Exercising gives me not only physical but also mental relief.
Sometimes I do breathing exercises before going to sleep. I use apps with exercises that help me calm down and sleep well. Because sleeping well, just like having a clear mind, is a prerequisite for being able to focus fully again the next day.
Inspiration
I draw a lot of inspiration from the stories of Paralympic athletes like Lara Baars, Jetze Plat, and Fleur Jong. They show that you can achieve tremendous results and reach a great deal despite limitations. They have faced setbacks but have become stronger because of them. Their mentality reminds me that it is important to always look at what you *do* have and can do, rather than what you lack. This applies not only to people with a physical disability but also to those facing mental challenges. Gratitude for what you have and resilience are lessons I take away from their stories.
Errand
Life is not perfect, and it doesn't have to be. Often, it seems as if people on social media are leading perfect lives, but that is rarely the reality. Life is full of setbacks and moments of sadness. The pressure to do everything perfectly—a top career, a social life, a toned body, and a flourishing relationship—is unattainable and unrealistic. My message is not to let those images drive you crazy. Sometimes life is a little less than perfect, and that is okay. Embrace those setbacks, talk about them, and realize that they are part of life. As Queen Máxima once said: “Not every day has to be a 10.”
