Mistä tukea mielenterveysongelmiin?

The study examines the Finnish population's views on seeking formal and informal help for mental health problems. It also explores the associations of mental health stigma and previous service experiences with seeking help. The analysis focuses on the concept of trust. The study is based on the Mental Health Barometer population data collected in 2023 (2126 Finns responded). The data was analyzed using cross tabulation with the associated khi2 or Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression analysis. Finns were most likely to seek help for a mental health problem from formal services, i.e. a health center or psychotherapy. They were almost as likely to seek informal help from friends and family. Those in a poor financial situation were more likely to seek help from a health center and less likely to seek help from private sector psychotherapy than those more well-off. Women were more likely than men to rely on informal support. Young adults were more likely to seek help from friends and the oldest age group from family. Openness about their own mental health problems and non-stigmatizing attitudes to others’ mental health problems made it easier to seek formal and informal help. Positive service experiences increased the likelihood of seeking help from formal services. Those who had never sought help or had received insufficient help were less likely than average to seek help. The results suggest that the barriers to seeking help need to be lowered by breaking down the stigma associated with mental health problems, preventing inequality, and strengthening trust in communities and the service system. This requires development and better resourcing of mental health services.