A blue tree at the Wilhelminapark in Breda must ensure that people make psychological problems discussable in young people. The idea comes from Australia. There are very blue trees. The first blue tree in the Netherlands was unveiled on Thursday. In memory of Milou Verhoof from Bavel, who committed euthanasia at the age of 17 after years of psychological suffering.
The blue tree has only just been revealed when the first passers -by stop to see and read what is on the plaque. And that is exactly the idea behind it. That people think about it and dare to talk about psychological problems and death. Because that is still a taboo for many people.
The mother of Milou, Mireille, who died in 2023, explains what the symbolic meaning of the tree is. “She has asked us to start a conversation with each other about young people who are mentally deep in the well and to break the taboo that there is still peace on psychological suffering. We notice that people find it difficult to talk about it. This tree is a symbol of young people who are struggling.”
That is why, despite the fact that the reason is sad, Mireille finds the unveiling a good moment.
The Blue Tree project started in Australia. In the meantime, 1400 trees have been planted worldwide. Breda has the Dutch scoop. Every tree tells a personal story. The goal is to open the conversation about mental health.
Milou had the wish that people make psychological problems negotiable. That wish is now fulfilled with the tree, says Mireille. “People initially ask:” What kind of work of art “. Then they hear what the thought is behind it and then they start talking to each other,” says mother Mireille.
“It makes people think and that is the power of such a blue tree. By talking openly and without prejudice, we can embrace the vulnerability of young people and be there for young people. I think it gives a lot of material to think.”
“She wanted to live, but she couldn’t do anymore.”
The story of the 17-year-old Milou, who stepped out of life through euthanasia, makes it clear that psychological need is often not visible. Her mother says: “Milou was a beautiful girl who was full of life, had hobbies, a lot of friends and yet something in her head made her disappeared deeper and deeper into a black hole and could not get out of it herself.”
“Although she has fought hard with every admission and treatment,” her mother continues. “Because she wanted to live, but she couldn’t do anymore. Very often people think,” yes she is young and in puberty. “
According to Mireille, people often did not realize what was going on with her daughter. “It was also often said, dude, go out, go and do something nice. But she said:” Nobody knows how heavy it is in my head and that I go through hell every day. “I think Miliou often had a mask on, because she had the idea that people didn’t really listen.”
Alderman Eddie Förster van Breda unveiled the blue tree. He says that the municipality takes the psychological problems of young people extremely seriously. “From Breda we want to ensure that we start the conversation. We do that in collaboration with schools. The message is:” Talk to each other about how you feel, even if things are not going well. ”
The alderman says he has a lot of respect for the fight of Milou’s parents to start the conversation. “You actually want this place to ensure that you think about how is me and my environment.”