Poster for MIELI Mental Health Finland’s crisis helpline in Helsinki. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s national mental health crisis hotline responded to nearly 20,800 calls during June and July, the highest number recorded for a summer period, according to MIELI Mental Health Finland.
The number of calls rose by 23 percent compared to the same period last year. Use of the organisation’s online crisis chat service also increased, with 670 discussions recorded, up 28 percent from summer 2024.
MIELI stated that suicide-related topics reached record levels in both calls and chats. Some conversations have been described as potentially life-saving, based on feedback received from service users.
The hotline, which is open around the clock, is operated by both mental health professionals and trained volunteers. Callers also frequently mentioned financial stress and related concerns.
MIELI was founded in 1897 and operates through 54 local associations across Finland. The organisation has about 150 staff members and over 3,000 volunteers. It describes itself as the world’s oldest non-governmental organisation focused on mental health.
In 2023, MIELI said it had to reduce its staffing due to cuts in government funding.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
