Mielenterveysstrategian valmistelun ohjaus- ja asiantuntijaryhmä

Goals and results

The mental health strategy of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will provide strategic guidance for mental health policy from 2020 until 2030. The objective is to ensure a continuing and goal-oriented mental health policy. In order to implement the strategy, each Government will draw up a mental health action plan that defines the priorities, the means and tools of implementation and the follow-up measures for mental health policy during the government term. The mental health strategy also covers addictions and provides strategic policy lines for preventing suicides. The strategy will be harmonised with the action plan on alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling.

Summary

The mental health strategy will guide the mental health work until 2030. In order to support the strategy, each Government will draw up their own mental health action plan that defines the priorities, means and tools of implementation and follow-up measures for mental health policy during the government term. The strategy also covers substance abuse services and includes a programme to prevent suicides.

Starting points

The first national plan for mental health and substance abuse work was published in 2009. In connection with the final assessment of the plan in 2016, proposals were published on priorities of the development work in the coming years. The proposals, extending up to 2020, are now promoted in the comprehensive legislative reform of mental health and substance abuse services and in Government’s key projects under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
In 1986-1996, Finland carried out a national programme to prevent suicides. It has been estimated that the programme had positive effects. For example, treatment of depression became more effective because of the programme. Recommendations were made, and prevention of suicides has continued after the project. However, deficiencies have been noticed regarding a systematic approach to the prevention of suicides, overall coordination of the prevention work and follow-up measures.
In the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2019-2022, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä's Government has decided to prepare a mental health programme that will ensure the availability of mental health services in the future health and socials services system. In the 2018 budget, Parliament has approved an allocation for starting a programme to prevent suicides.