Wandering the streets, shouting loudly or speaking incoherently. Last year in Rotterdam, around 9,000 reports were received about people whose behaviour was incomprehensible or confused. But what actually lies behind that behaviour? And why is it not always possible to provide the right help? Forensic psychologist Josanne van Dongen from the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences explains it all in the sixth episode of the science podcast 'Oh Ja Joh?!'.
According to Van Dongen, confused behaviour is often the result of a combination of problems, such as mental health issues, addiction, debt or homelessness. Yet the care system does not always cater for this effectively. 'People fall between the cracks,' she explains. 'They often do not fit within a single point of contact or a single form of care.'
Better cooperation
Together with local authorities, the police and healthcare organisations, Van Dongen is investigating how people can receive the right help sooner. This requires better cooperation, less bureaucracy and more scope to identify problems at an early stage. She also has an important message for bystanders: try to look beyond the behaviour itself. 'Ask yourself what lies behind it. Most people exhibiting confused behaviour are not dangerous; on the contrary, they need help.'
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