brain Scientist’s Burnout Journey Highlights Reversible Effects of Stress, Rising mental Health Concerns in Finland
HELSINKI, Finland – A leading Finnish brain scientist is sharing his personal experience with burnout, offering a message of hope alongside stark data revealing a surge in mental health-related sick leave across the country. Researcher Söderlund’s own experience underscores the vrey real, physical symptoms of exhaustion and the potential for recovery when stress is addressed.
The increasing prevalence of burnout and related mental health issues is placing a significant strain on Finland’s workforce, particularly women. Diagnoses of depression and other mental disorders are the primary driver of sick leave statistics, with fatigue syndrome and stress-related conditions increasingly common. This comes as new data from the National Pensions Institute Kela shows approximately 63,000 new sickness benefit periods were granted for mental illnesses in 2023, with over 100,000 people receiving benefits due to mental illness and syndrome. Mental illness also accounted for the most replaced sickness benefit days.
Söderlund emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs. “You have to be your best friend,” he says. “A cliché,but that’s true. And take your early symptoms seriously.” Research indicates that the neurological changes caused by prolonged stress and fatigue can be reversed with decreased stress and adequate recovery.
The scientist urges individuals to listen to their bodies and prioritize self-care. he encourages readers to share their own experiences and stress-reduction tips.
Burnout and Mental Illness in Numbers (Finland):
* Sick leave for depression and fatigue has increased sharply since 2017.
* mental illness is now the most common cause of long sick leave among women in the workforce.
* Approximately 63,000 new sickness benefit periods were granted for mental illnesses in 2023.
* Over 100,000 people received sickness benefit due to mental illness and syndrome in 2023.
* Mental illness and syndrome were the most common reason for sickness benefit days replaced.
(Source: National Pensions Institute Kela)