Finnish police report a nearly 60% increase in emergency calls related to suicide attempts and threats since 2015. Officers recorded 11,619 such incidents in 2015, which grew to 18,443 cases in the most recent data.
Police encounter citizens needing mental health assistance daily across all operations. This trend appears most clearly in surveillance and emergency response duties. Over half of these cases involve individuals under the influence of substances.
Mental health challenges also appear regularly in traffic situations. Conditions like depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders can impair observation skills and slow reaction times. This increases accident risks during driving.
The rise in suicide-related incidents affects young people particularly strongly. Police note that societal changes including economic crises, unemployment, and general uncertainty significantly impact citizens' psychological wellbeing. Young people specifically report growing anxiety and insecurity.
Online environments expose children and teens to various psychologically stressful materials. Social media use shows clear connections to increased anxiety and depression among youth.
Police express serious concern about this development. They see urgent need for preventive work targeting young people specifically.
"We have police working methods for preventive efforts with youth. These include school police activities and multidisciplinary anchor operations," said National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki in a statement.
Challenges accessing treatment appear frequently in police cases involving mental health issues and violence threats. Police hope future improvements will ease access to psychiatric care and increase hospital bed availability.
This troubling trend reflects broader societal strains that have been building for years. The police statistics provide concrete evidence of a growing mental health emergency that demands immediate attention and resources.
Support remains available for mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Comprehensive assistance appears through telephone services, online platforms, and in-person meetings.