Terveystalo and MIELI Mental Health Finland are jointly promoting mental well-being
Terveystalo and MIELI Mental Health Finland have agreed on a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening the mental health and well-being of Finns and finding solutions to the mental health crisis.
In Finland, the number of mental health diagnoses is on the rise, and they are also the most common reason for long-term sick leave and a general cause of permanent disability. Statistics from Kela reveal that the increase in sick leave due to anxiety disorders has been most pronounced among those under 35 years old. We are facing a mental health crisis that is taxing the entire Finnish workforce, the competitiveness of our companies, and growth that produces well-being. We need societal change and actions to tackle the mental health crisis.
- At Terveystalo, we work towards ensuring that each of us can and does feel well in our work. We see the increase in mental health symptoms among young people, and our low-threshold services are proven to be effective; however, alone we can only influence part of the journey. MIELI Mental Health Finland's preventive work also reaches young people who are just transitioning into working life, whose mental health symptoms have been increasing and can at worst lead to exclusion. By deepening our partnership, we can ensure that low-threshold mental health support is available to young people and adults outside the workforce as well, says Ville Iho, CEO of Terveystalo.
- Mental health is everyone's right. Mental health, like physical health, can be strengthened from childhood to old age. As an organization, MIELI Mental Health Finland offers diverse mental health support that is accessible to everyone. Our collaboration with Terveystalo helps ensure that preventive work against mental health issues and low-threshold counseling can continue to be offered. At the same time, our partnership helps people find the service that best suits their situation, says Sari Aalto-Matturi, Executive Director of MIELI Mental Health Finland.
Sekasin-chat alleviates young people's distress
Terveystalo and MIELI Mental Health Finland have been partners for a long time, as the youth-oriented Sekasin-chat operates on a platform provided by Terveystalo. This is a nationwide discussion platform coordinated by MIELI Mental Health Finland, where young people can talk to a professional or trained volunteer about any issue that is troubling them: their feelings, everyday challenges, difficult events in life, seeking help.
- In Sekasin-chat, we talk daily about young people's distress and anxiety, relationship problems, and suicidal thoughts. Last year, there were nearly 40,000 conversations, but there were over 150,000 contacts. The numbers speak to the need for support among young people. The earlier a young person gets help and, if necessary, guidance to professional help, the less the problems accumulate, adds Aalto-Matturi.
- At Terveystalo, our goal is to reduce mental health-related sick leave by five percent among our occupational health clients by 2025. We know that mental strain stems equally from work and leisure challenges. A young person's mental distress affects not only their own quality of life and future work ability but also the resilience and burden of their parents. By strengthening our partnership, we aim to ensure that today's mental health challenges become history and do not carry over to future generations, says Silja Komulainen, Chief Medical Officer of Occupational Health at Terveystalo.
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