Most young men are doing well, but some still struggle to get help

Most boys and young men in Finland are doing reasonably well, according to a government-commissioned study completed this year, Yle reports. At conscription call-ups in Kouvola, young men spoke about their studies, hopes and relationships.

A recent school health survey found that about 70 per cent of upper secondary students were satisfied with their lives. But Yle has also reported that tens of thousands of young people in Finland lack the resources to seek work or help, and that young people’s life satisfaction has fallen to a historically low level. Both realities exist, Yle writes.

At the annual call-ups, the Finnish Defence Forces, municipal youth workers and doctors meet young men from one age group at a time. The meetings offer a rare overview of a large group’s wellbeing, says outreach youth worker Sonja Lindroos.

Lindroos hears about young people nearing the end of their studies, their future plans and other positive parts of their lives. They sometimes tell youth workers about crushes, too, she says. Jukka Saarela, a lieutenant colonel who heads the Defence Forces’ Southeast Finland regional office, says the young people he meets are smart and give him hope.

However, the government-commissioned study found that mental health problems among boys and young men are underdiagnosed, and that they face difficulties seeking help. Its author, social policy and youth research docent Harry Lunabba, says their vulnerability should be better recognised, particularly in education and mental health services.

When youth workers hear about a young person’s problems at the call-ups, they can help find suitable support. This may include arranging debts, applying for benefits or finding housing. Lindroos also says summer jobs can help young people see what they are capable of and build confidence in the future.

The study recommends making improvements to the skills of children of primary school age a strategic goal. It also says public bodies and organisations should work to prevent violence and reduce violent crime.