Recognition of mental health issues in healthcare sparks debate in Finland

The recognition and management of mental health issues in healthcare became a hot topic over the weekend after young people seeking help shared experiences of receiving belittling and dismissive comments. These issues were reported in the context of both primary and specialized healthcare as well as student health services.

Terhi Aalto-Setälä, chief physician of the mental health team at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, suggests that mental health training should be significantly improved in the healthcare sector. She points out that concepts related to mental health are minimally addressed in nursing education, despite the relevance to the profession. Aalto-Setälä noted a “tsunami of mental health issues” in Finland that healthcare professionals may struggle to adequately address.

A report from a social and healthcare education development project released last year confirms that access to mental health services has not progressed as well as treatment for physical illnesses. We asked training organizations how the increasing demand for mental health support is reflected in educational content.

Interviewees indicated that issues could stem from time constraints, communication challenges, or a lack of professional skills. For example, Salla Seppänen from Laurea University of Applied Sciences noted that students have witnessed similar dismissive behaviors during their internships.

Training program leaders affirm that they are addressing the growing need for mental health support in nursing and medical education. The emphasis on mental health is integrated throughout programs, ensuring that all healthcare professionals can address mental health issues sensitively and effectively.

Furthermore, medical education has seen heightened investments in enhancing communication and interpersonal skills, as educators prepare students for the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape by 2030.