Crisis management veterans seek mental support as calls increase at Peacekeepers’ Association in Finland

Each year, dozens of crisis management veterans seek psychiatric care linked to their service. Calls to the Peacekeepers’ Association’s peer support hotline are increasingly from those struggling with difficult experiences. “Most of the calls these days are what we refer to as ‘hard calls,’ addressing issues related to operational experiences. This trend has been apparent for many years,” says peer support coordinator Timo Ryhänen.

Attention to mental support for peacekeepers has only recently been prioritized, and more must be done, according to those working with veterans. “The support system needs to match the level seen in other Nordic countries,” Ryhänen adds. The Peacekeepers’ Association has been advocating for the establishment of a crisis management veterans’ center to create a permanent support model where services can be accessed in one place. While this initiative is included in the government program, there has been no update on its progress.

Matti Helimäki, a volunteer who answers calls at the Peacekeepers’ Association, recalls starting his service in 1974 under intense circumstances in Cyprus, where his unit was deployed after minimal training. They were caught between two Greek bases, facing a massive attack from Turkey shortly after arrival. Despite the chaos, Helimäki notes, “There was no real fear; it felt like if something hit us, it would hit us hard.”

Helimäki served in Cyprus for nine months and later completed a second mission in Suez. While he himself did not receive any post-service support, he welcomes the growing attention to these issues. Though many veterans continue to thrive, a survey from 2022 indicates that around 90% find their crisis management experience beneficial. However, Ryhänen emphasizes, “It’s worth noting that we have tens of thousands of well-adjusted individuals in significant societal roles who have experience as peacekeepers.”