Mental Health Matters!

This week, we are celebrating the National Student Mental Health Week. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the mental health of students and to create a more mental health friendly student culture. According to the KOTT study conducted by The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 29% of students experience significant psychological stress. The number of diagnosed mental health disorders has also increased. Based on a survey by Nyyti ry, the stress students face comes from factors such as loneliness, remote learning, and challenges with financial support. Throughout a lifetime, approximately half of all people will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder. These statistics are tough to read, but it’s important to understand the starting point.

Research focuses on mapping out symptoms, diagnoses, and declines in functioning. Society tends to intervene only when the consequences of deteriorating mental health have already led to further problems. But what if we focus on what we can do to prevent mental health from weakening in the first place? According to research, we can do a lot! We can influence our own daily lives, we can support each other, and the surrounding community can support its members.

Mental health is like a puzzle. The pieces of the puzzle include things like varied and regular nutrition, not having an overly full desk, physical activity, sufficient rest, "doing nothing" moments, and connections with close people. In short, mental health is about living a balanced daily life. When the foundation of mental health is strong, the challenges to mental health won't topple the whole puzzle.

What if we considered mental health as a picnic with friends, where each person brings something to the table and, in turn, gets to enjoy what others have contributed? When mental health is viewed as a larger phenomenon, the community or group of friends enhances the individual’s mental health. When challenges arise, the community can help support and assist its members.

The role of universities in supporting mental health cannot be forgotten: 

• We must build pathways that genuinely reduce loneliness
• ensure affordable and diverse sports options for students in the future
• make sure that campus dining offers not only nutritional support but also a restorative break or a social moment with friends
• invest in student guidance and smooth academic progress

These are the key areas on the desk of the social policy representative now and in the future.

I challenge you to ask your friend today: "How are you?"
 

Maaria Salminen
Board Member, Social affairs