
Millennial Mental Health Is a Shared Concern – What Is Finland Doing?
Recently, U.S. news channel News Channel 3 published a two-part article titled “Generation Why: What can be done about ailing millennial mental health?” The series highlighted the key struggles of our generation – financial insecurity, burnout, loneliness, and the pressure to constantly compare ourselves through social media.
It was an honor to contribute to the global discussion and share what Finland is doing to support mental well-being, especially among millennials. Mental health challenges know no borders, but the ways we respond can differ greatly. In Finland, we’ve been working systematically to strengthen mental well-being for all – and that includes millennials.
Finland’s Approach: Prevention First
While many countries still focus primarily on crisis response, Finland has steadily shifted towards a preventive, holistic approach to mental health. Here are just a few examples:
1. National Mental Health Strategy 2020–2030
This government-led strategy aims to make mental health a central consideration in all decision-making. It emphasizes early intervention, improved service accessibility, and increasing mental health literacy – not only treating illness but promoting well-being.
2. “Hyvän mielen kunta” – Municipal Mental Health Program
Developed by the Finnish MIELI Mental Health Association, this model helps municipalities build local systems that support well-being, community participation, and social cohesion – key for millennial resilience.
3. Digital Self-Help Programs
Mielenterveystalo.fi, a national mental health website, offers free self-guided programs for stress, anxiety, insomnia, and more. These resources are especially popular among younger adults who may hesitate to seek help through traditional channels.
4. Community-Building Initiatives
A wide range of nonprofit organizations and grassroots projects are working to combat loneliness and strengthen everyday social bonds – vital to preventing mental health issues.
Created in Finland, the Commu App connects people who need help with those willing to offer it – from running errands or walking the dog to simply offering a listening ear.
This low-threshold platform is a powerful response to social isolation and disconnection, especially among millennials. Commu makes help visible and accessible – reminding us that we’re not alone, and support is just one message away.
5. Workplace Mental Health Support
An increasing number of Finnish employers offer well-being programs, flexible work models, and stress recovery tools. Millennials – juggling careers, families, and shifting life goals – benefit greatly from this growing understanding.
Why Focus on Millennials?
Millennials, born approximately between 1980 and 1996, are in a life stage that often combines career building, parenting, and self-discovery – all amid a world full of uncertainty. Financial instability, the climate crisis, and a fast-paced digital world can be overwhelming.
Combined with high self-expectations and social comparison, it’s no surprise that burnout, stress, and anxiety are common. That’s why societal support is more important than ever – and why it must be easy to access, stigma-free, and proactive.
A Shared Concern – and a Shared Opportunity
The global conversation around millennial mental health is timely and necessary. In Finland, we have many strengths to build on – and the capacity to go even further.
This shared concern can become a shared opportunity: an opportunity to build a more compassionate, connected, and sustainable society. Happiness isn’t just a personal pursuit – it’s something we build together.
Read the original U.S. article:
Generation Why: What can be done about ailing millennial mental health? – kesq.com
Read more:
https://thl.fi/tutkimus-ja-kehittaminen/tutkimukset-ja-hankkeet/kansallinen-mielenterveysstrategia
https://mieli.fi/yhteiskunta/mielenterveys-suomessa/hyvan-mielen-kunta