This week is the Student’s Mental Health Week.
Every year, as many as 20–25 per cent of Finns suffer from various mental health disorders. Mental health problems are even more common among those studying at universities and polytechnics – as many as one in three university students suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression.
We want to take this opportunity to remind you that there is no shame in having mental health problems and seeking help. So please don’t try to go it alone if you find it hard to get through the day.
TYS has a housing advisor, who can help tenants with matters regarding your housing at TYS, but often our daily challenges are be related to issues other than housing. That’s why we wanted to compile a list of organizations who offer free help or meeting places for young people in different life situations.
Our list is not exhaustive, as there are plenty more organizations out there doing great work, so please reach out if you’re going through a tough time.
Helplines and chats
Many organizations maintain a variety of helplines that can provide general conversational assistance or advice related to a specific topic or life situation. Along with support phone lines, there different kinds of support chats or Discord communities available.
Telephone counselling by the ADHD association in Finland
Open: Mon 1 p.m.–3 p.m., Wed 9 a.m.–11 a.m., Thu 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
Number: +3589 8567 7130
Also available: chat and online questionnaire
Read more
Substance use counselling by EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention
Open: Every day, 24/7
Number: +358 800 900 45
Read more
MIELI Crisis Helpline in English by MIELI Mental Health Finland
Open: Every day, 24/7
Number: +3589 2525 0111
Also available: chat and Discord community
Read more
Peluuri’s helpline – support, counselling & information in gambling problems
Open: Mon–Fri between noon–6 p.m.
Number: +358 800 100 101
Also available: chat
Read more
Victim Support Finland
Open: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Number: 116 006
Chat also available
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The Eating Disorder Association of Finland helpline
Open: Mon between 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Wed between 3 p.m.–5 p.m., Thu between 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and for close relatives on Tuesday between 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Number: +3582 251 9207
Also available: chat, Discord community, and the Toivo application
Read more
Meeting places and face-to-face counselling
Do you need face-to-face counselling? Or maybe you just want to talk to someone or find some meaningful activities? There are several different meeting places in Turku that offer support and activities for young adults. Here’s a few of them.
Meeting place for the young: TOIVO
What: An open meeting place for young adults between 17–28 years of age. Meaningful, activating, and rehabilitative daytime activities, help and guidance, and a place to hang out.
Where: Satakunnantie 31 (2nd floor), 20300 Turku
When: Open according to monthly schedule
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Ohjaamo of Turku
What: Ohjaamo in Turku helps young people under the age of 30 in all kinds of life situations with issues related to employment, studying, housing, leisure, and well-being. The services are free of charge, and can also be used by parents, guardians, and professionals working with young people.
Where: Yliopistonkatu 27a, 20100 Turku
When: By appointment and phone Mon–Fri between 9 a.m.–3 p.m., or without appointment Mon–Fri between noon–3 p.m.
Read more
Olkkari-Lounge evenings by the Finnish Red Cross
What: Theme nights with a variety of things to do together. On some evenings, there are excursions with separate registration. You can find the monthly programme on, among other places, the TYS Instagram!
Where: Mainly in the common space of TYS n´ Chill, at address Inspehtorinkatu 12 D, 20540 Turku
When: Wednesdays between 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Students’ Mental Health Week will be held from April 8th to 14th, 2024. Nyyti ry, along with its partners, will be organising webinars and other events throughout the week. Check out what’s happening from Nyyti ry’s website and make sure to follow @nyytiry on Instagram!
