World Mental Health Day: are mental disorders a 21st century Finnish national disease?
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. The day should remind everyone of the importance of taking care of mental well-being. Mental health challenges are not just a personal issue but a significant societal phenomenon and problem. According to a study by the University of Vaasa, over 20% of Finns experience some form of mental health disorder each year, and one in five Finns will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. The numbers are staggering.
Mental health disorders have become the leading cause of sick leave
In recent years, the importance of mental health in the workplace and society has become increasingly emphasized. Mental health disorders have become the leading cause of sick leave – in 2020, they surpassed absences caused by musculoskeletal disorders. This statistic reflects significant changes in society and the workplace: Work has become more mentally demanding, more people face the pressures of balancing work and everyday life, and struggle not only with workload but also with ethical stress and the burden of meta- and emotional labor. These have direct impacts on mental well-being.
The situation is not just a problem for individuals or organizations but has enormous consequences for the national economy as well. In 2018, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the OECD estimated that mental health disorders cost Finland 11 billion euros annually. This amount includes productivity losses, sick leave, and healthcare costs. The uncertainty, isolation, and stress brought by the pandemic have likely only worsened the situation, making mental health work even more relevant.
The mental health crisis did not arise in a vacuum Changes in the workplace have directly affected people’s endurance. Digitalization, constant availability, work intensity, and productivity pressures have increased mental strain. More and more people are also working in irregular conditions or hybrid models, which can blur the boundaries between work and leisure and increase the risk of burnout.
It is important to strengthen the resources of mental health services and factors that promote endurance
Although mental health issues are increasingly visible, stigma still surrounds them. In workplaces, mental health problems are not always recognized or addressed in time, leading to prolonged sick leave or even disability. This is one reason why supporting mental health in every sector of society is critical for both individuals and society as a whole. Throughout the 21st century, political decisions have failed to support mental health services, as only 4.5% of total healthcare spending is allocated to mental health services. The need for mental health services has not decreased; on the contrary, it has increased.
A well-functioning society is built on well-functioning individuals and communities. Finland is full of creative and innovative actors whose solutions to this problem are undoubtedly numerous. Finland needs doers and experts, and we cannot afford to lose anyone. It is important to strengthen factors that promote endurance, monitor one’s own and others’ limits, and make genuine changes to the factors that cause strain. In addition to prevention, mental health services need additional resources, and public discussion about mental health is necessary to finally break the stigmas that have spanned generations.
Jenna Rautionaho and Eeva Honkonen
The authors are an analyst and a consultant at Blic, working to promote their own and others' well-being in their daily lives.
Sources used in this article:
Health at a Glance 2018 report, OECD 2018.
Mielenterveyden edistämisen taloudelliset vaikutukset: Nuorten miesten syrjäytymistä ehkäisevän Aikalisä-tukipalvelun arviointi. Vaasan yliopisto 2016.
Terveydenhuollon menot ja rahoitus 2021. THL 2023.
Statistics on mental health. Mieli ry website. Viewed: 10.10.2024.