Category: Uncategorized

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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At the Finnish Happiness Institute, our mission is to promote happiness – in Finland and around the world. That’s why we are truly happy and grateful to have contributed to two inspiring articles by Business Finland, highlighting the unique nature and value of Finnish happiness.

The article “Why is Finland the happiest country in the world – for the 7th time?” explores the reasons behind Finland’s seven-year streak as the world’s happiest country. For us, it’s important to look beyond rankings and statistics, and focus on the values, everyday choices, and social trust that lie at the heart of true happiness.

The second article, “Happiness Finland calls for international business cooperation to solve global challenges together”, beautifully emphasizes how happiness can also be a driver of responsible business, collaboration, and sustainable growth. We believe happiness is not just a personal emotion – it can be a powerful strategic asset for societies and organizations alike.

It’s an honor to be part of this story. Let’s continue building happiness together – with wisdom, compassion, and a shared vision for the future.

—
The Happiness Institute Team

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Once again, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. This often sparks a sense of bewilderment among Finns: “How can that be? We don’t feel particularly happy all the time!” For many Finns, the word “happiness” feels grand and intense, something not used lightly. Instead, we are more accustomed to expressing contentment in the small joys of everyday life.

When we talk about happiness, many Finns first think of life satisfaction – and that is something most of us can very well relate to. Happiness is often seen as an ongoing sense of stability, stemming from a well-functioning society, low corruption, and social security – factors that are emphasized in the World Happiness Report. We don’t necessarily need to be beaming with joy at all times to be happy. Instead, many Finns experience balance and a sense of control in their daily lives, which lays the foundation for a pragmatic form of happiness.

Finnish well-being is largely based on the fact that the basics are in place. Nature is close, education is of high quality, and healthcare is accessible. We can trust that our society will support us when needed. These elements create a sense of security that allows for a good life without constant worry about survival. Perhaps Finnish happiness is not about exuberant celebrations, but rather about deeply rooted contentment and stability that carries us through life.

There is an old Finnish saying: “He who has happiness should hide it.” However, modern research suggests this idea is outdated. According to Nicholas Christakis’ studies, happiness is not just an individual experience – it spreads through social networks up to three degrees of separation. Your happiness influences those around you, who then pass it on to others. Happiness is not something to keep hidden; instead, it should be shared and allowed to ripple outward.

Maybe it’s time for us to acknowledge that happiness can look different in Finland than elsewhere – it is about the quiet satisfaction found in everyday moments and a sense of security. Happiness does not have to mean constant joy; it can also be peace, purpose, and balance. Let’s be proud of how this manifests in our lives, and perhaps we can start using the word “happiness” a bit more boldly.

We are often asked about the secrets of Finnish happiness. This week, we explored this topic with a Californian journalist curious about the core pillars of happiness among Finnish women.

Finnish women are renowned for their resilience and deep connection to nature. In a culture where the welfare state, gender equality, and a profound bond with natural forces set the foundation for happiness, how do these elements shape their lives? And what can we learn from their experiences?

Nature and its impact on well-being

Nature is an integral part of Finnish culture and women’s daily lives. Forests, lakes, and tranquil landscapes offer a place to relax, recover, and recharge. Researcher Elisabet Lahti describes Finnish women’s unique strength as deeply rooted in their connection to nature:

“Nature brings us back to the cycle of life, where everything renews itself. Finnish women’s inner strength and resilience are embodied in nature – we are berry-pickers, forest wanderers, and ice-swimming powerhouses.”

Nature is not merely an escape from daily stress; it serves as therapy, a source of creativity, and inspiration. Activities like forest walks, sauna sessions, and ice swimming are part of many Finnish women’s daily wellness routines. Nature’s cycles offer comfort and a reminder of life’s constant renewal – even in adversity, new beginnings are always possible.

Seasonal changes are also deeply ingrained in Finnish identity, influencing women’s lives significantly. While the dark winter can be challenging, the bright summer nights bring energy and inspiration. Finnish women excel at adapting to the rhythm of the seasons, finding joy in every part of the year.

Societal support and equality

The Finnish welfare state provides a solid foundation for women’s quality of life and happiness. Free education, parental leave, and comprehensive healthcare enable women to pursue their dreams without significant financial barriers. Gender equality has advanced substantially in Finland, with women actively participating in both the workforce and societal decision-making.

Advisor Marika Savukoski, Director of Education in Kuopio, emphasizes the importance of life circumstances—work, income, quality of life, family, and relationships—for happiness:

“As a leader, I prioritize recognizing these factors and finding ways to support employees both in work and life overall.”

In Finland, equality is not just a topic for speeches but a daily reality, providing women with opportunities for independence and well-being. These achievements reflect Finnish women’s overall satisfaction with life.

Work-life balance

Work-life researcher Jari Hakanen highlights that women often report higher levels of stress and burnout than men but also experience greater positive well-being at work. This phenomenon, called work engagement, is described as “a positive, energizing, and motivating relationship with one’s work, almost like a ‘positive symptom.’”

Finnish society supports women in balancing work and family life with flexible parental leave and remote work opportunities. As a result, women can actively engage in professional life while caring for their families and prioritizing their own well-being.

Sauna culture and wellness

For Finns, the sauna is a sacred space for relaxation and stress relief. Its warmth, silence, and focus on the present moment create a unique environment for recovery. Sauna sessions are often paired with other wellness practices like spending time in nature or ice swimming, making it a holistic experience.

The sauna culture is an intriguing and exotic topic for international audiences. Finnish women’s way of incorporating sauna into their daily lives illustrates their ability to blend tradition with modern well-being.

Sustainable lifestyle

Finnish women value simplicity and eco-friendly choices. Responsibility and sustainability are integral to daily life, with many actively participating in combating climate change through recycling and supporting local production.

Community and relationships

Though Finns are often perceived as introverted, close personal relationships are central to happiness. Finnish women value deep and authentic connections that enhance their well-being. Community engagement, whether through neighborhoods or hobby groups, provides opportunities to share experiences and strengthen a sense of belonging.

Finnish women are resilient, nature-connected, and community-oriented individuals whose lifestyles seamlessly combine tradition and modern wellness practices. Their experiences offer valuable lessons on how to live a meaningful and happy life. In Finland, nature, equality, and community form a unique foundation for happiness – a model from which we can all learn.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Finns and the forest are inseparably connected. For us, the forest is much more than just a natural environment; it is a source of peace, strength, and happiness. Walking in the forest and enjoying the beauty of nature, especially in the fall, offers us the chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel a connection with the natural world.

Autumn in the forest is a special experience. As the weather cools and the leaves glow in shades of yellow, red, and orange, Finns head to the forest to gather berries and mushrooms. Picking berries and mushrooms is much more than just a way to obtain food; it is part of the Finnish rhythm of life and a deep connection with nature.

The health benefits of the forest are significant. Picking berries and mushrooms in the quiet of the forest brings a sense of timelessness. In the forest, there are no schedules or to-do lists—only you, the forest, and its offerings. This feeling of timelessness, combined with walking in the forest and listening to the sounds of nature, helps us recover from the rush and stress of everyday life. Studies have shown that even a short time spent in the forest can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones.

Walking in the forest and picking mushrooms and berries also contributes to mental well-being. Finding your first chanterelle or picking the perfect blueberry brings a small burst of joy. These small moments are meaningful and remind us that happiness is often found in the simple pleasures of everyday life.

For Finns, the forest is a profound and multifaceted source of happiness. It provides us with a place to retreat and listen to ourselves. The forest reminds us that we are a part of nature and that adapting to its rhythm can bring balance and well-being to our lives.

Autumn forest walks are like a return to our roots, back to what makes us Finns so unique. As we walk through the forest, we feel a connection to the generations before us who have walked the same paths and gathered the same natural gifts. This connection to the past and to nature gives us strength and depth, which are also reflected in the renowned Finnish resilience and calmness.

The forest teaches us patience and appreciation. Mushroom hunting requires attention and sometimes long searches, but it rewards us with the joy of discovery. Gathering berries—whether they are blueberries, lingonberries, or cranberries—brings a harvest that nourishes not only the body but also the mind.

For Finns, the forest is a true source of happiness. It offers us the opportunity to experience deep peace, a connection to nature and ourselves, and simple yet profound joy. As autumn arrives and the forest calls to us, we answer that call and let the forest fill us with happiness and vitality. So, head to the forest, let it calm your mind, and remind yourself of the profound impact nature can have on our well-being and happiness.

Congratulations, Finland! It’s our pleasure and honor to announce that Finland has once again – for the seventh consecutive time – been rated the World’s Happiest Country! This achievement is a testament to how strong community, high levels of trust, quality education, equality, and a nature-centric lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being.

Amidst this significant recognition, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every Finn for your contribution to the well-being of our society. Together, we have created a country where people can live happily and safely.

Warm thanks also go out to all researchers, partners, and supporters who have dedicated themselves to the study of happiness and well-being. This acknowledgment is also thanks to your tireless efforts.

Finland’s continued success in fostering happiness serves as an inspiration amidst shifting global trends. As outlined in the latest World Happiness Report, the evolving landscape of happiness across different regions, and the unfolding of happiness across different stages of life, offers valuable and nuanced insights that challenge conventional wisdom and shed light on evolving global trends. 

Contrary to the conventional beliefs that youth equates to happiness, recent data from North America and Western Europe indicate a concerning decline in happiness among young people aged 15-24 since 2006-10. Yet, amidst these shifts, Central and Eastern Europe witness a remarkable surge in happiness across all age groups, leading to a convergence in youth happiness levels between Eastern and Western Europe. 

Globally, individuals born since 1980 exhibit lower levels of happiness, pointing towards broader societal changes. Moreover, the widening gap in happiness inequality across regions, except Europe, poses another cause for concern.

From the challenges faced by the younger generation to the importance of well-being in combating dementia among the elderly, the report underscores the multifaceted nature of happiness. Finland’s consistent position at the forefront of happiness rankings serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the efficacy of policies promoting community, trust, education and equality, stemming from the nature-centric anti-stress lifestyle.

As we celebrate Finland’s achievement, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of well-being and happiness for all. Let’s continue to work, both within Finland and globally, towards building an even happier and more sustainable future. Together we can create a world where happiness and well-being thrive.

The topic of happiness creates as many thoughts as there are people. What is happiness for you? My entry point to the subject is both personal and work related. I have always been a person who looks at things from the bright side – finding something positive even when something unexpected happens. According to research, people with a positive attitude are much happier than those that look for what is wrong, and I can totally relate to that.

Those who chase for happiness, usually miss the mark. Happiness is very often in the small, joyful moments. It is rather the way, not the destination. To feel happy we usually need three things:

1. A meaningful vision of the future

It is valuable to have a clear vision of something to thrive for and to see our own role in pursuing the vision.

2. A sense of purpose

We all have a wish for meaningful work in all we do. When our contributions make a difference, we feel good about ourselves.

3. Great relationships

The value of relationships is key to our wellbeing. Our social network is directly affecting how we feel, and positive emotions relate to feeling happy.

The psychologist Ed Diener has a researched the theme of happiness and the conclusion is that the frequency of positive experiences is a much better predictor of happiness than the intensity of positive experiences. Somebody who has a dozen of mildly nice things happen each day are usually happier than somebody who has a single truly amazing thing happen. This also shows that the source of happiness is in the small, daily things. 

Dr. Lyubomirsky, head researcher from UC Riverside concluded, “When people feel happy, they tend to feel confident, optimistic and energetic and others find them likeable and sociable. Happy people are thus able to benefit from these perceptions.”

Here some hints that can help you create more happy moments in your daily life:

• Accept things as they are
• Enjoy what you already have
• Be honest to yourself
• Focus on being present and on what is important to you
• See the bigger picture and enjoy the ride
• Look at ‘failures’ as learning opportunities

Let’s go a bit deeper. What if you are told that you only have 12 months to live. Would you do the things you are doing now? What would you change? It is very likely that you would make different choices. Maybe you would fulfill a dream that you have postponed time after time. You would probably spend more time with your loved ones. How about doing those changes already now!

Some years ago, I realized that I want to feel even better every day, so what to do about it? I started listening to inspiring people and I created new, lasting habits. How we start and finish our days really matter. The morning sets the tone for the whole day. Now I own my mornings instead of feeling rushed from the moment I get up. What could be a good morning routine for you?

In the evening I transit into bedtime by stopping social media activities at least an hour before sleeping. I also think of what to be grateful of each evening. Those happy moments from the day put a smile on my face and as a bonus it deepens the sleep. Let’s remember that we can create happy moments if we choose so.

This is a text by our guest writer Carita Nyberg who has a role as an Advisor for the Finnish Happiness Research Association.

Carita Nyberg is the Founder and Master Trainer of her company Keys2Balance and she has developed a unique, deep yet practical training method and has helped leaders unleash their full potential and thrive both on a personal and collaborative level. After two decades of transformative work in Finland, she is now building a global Keys2Balance Trainers’ network.

Learn more at:

https://www.keys2balance.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caritanyberg/

https://speak-up-discovery.teachable.com/p/the-authentic-leader-s-journey

Author of 7 e-books: https://bookboon.com/fi/author/0908031c-ce02-9b86-11e6-6dd9eff399d1