There are currently about 28 000 refugees living in Finland. In 2023 alone, there were 4 500 first asylum applications submitted to Migri [*]. But what about the people behind the numbers?
Being a refugee puts you in an exceptional situation, even more when it comes to mental health. Having to flee your home, possibly under more than traumatic circumstances, and then being faced with a number of challenges in your new country such as uncertainty and discrimination, can easily cause a situation of crisis.
80%
of refugees in Finland have experienced shocking events
40%
of adult asylum seekers experience symptoms of depression and anxiety
30%
of young asylum seekers reported severe psychosocial symptoms
Taking care of yourself
Taking care of your own mental health and finding support is crucial in a situation like this, though not always easy.
In a situation of crisis
If you find yourself in an acute situation of crisis, feel like you need immediate support or think about harming yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the crisis helpline, the telephone service for crisis emergency services (if you’re located in Helsinki) or the general emergency contact line at 112.
MIELI crisis support hotline
Available 24/7. You can call anonymously, and your call will be treated confidentially.
Get in touchTelephone service for Crisis emergency services (Helsinki)
Open every day around the clock.
Where to get support
If you are a refugee or an asylum seeker in Finland, there are several resources available that can help you.
General help
Having just arrived in a new country, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. The UNHCR, the United Nations’ Refugee Agency provides general information about the process of asylum seeking and much more on their help website.
Legal advice
The Finnish Refugee Advice Centre is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1988 by other Finnish NGOs. It provides legal aid and advice to asylum seekers, refugees and other foreigners in Finland.
Medical help
Even without papers or a residence in Finland, you are entitled to medical help. In case of an emergency, you can always contact 116 117 or 112. If you are located in Helsinki, the Kalasatama terveysasema provides healthcare for undocumented immigrants. You can reach them weekdays from 12:30 to 13:30 at 09 310 53914 (more information in Finnish). Both in Helsinki and beyond, the volunteer-run Global clinic offers healthcare services (more information in Finnish).
Build your new life
Temporary or not, creating a new everyday life and establishing certain routines can help you and your mental health. This can include
- following a regular daily schedule
- doing things that feel meaningful or bring you joy, such as volunteering, following your hobbies or working out
- starting to shape your future, e.g. by working towards a job, possibly with the help of an organization like Startup Refugees
- connecting with other people in a similar situation like you
- joining local communities of internationals like MIELI Without Borders
Links and resources
Finnish Refugee Council
The Finnish Refugee Council is Finland’s largest expert organisation specialising in the issues of forced displacement and migration. Read more
THL on refugees and mental health
There are many issues associated with being a refugee that can place a strain on mental health and cause stress. On the other hand, people with a refugee background also have many resources and factors that can protect and strengthen their mental health. Read more
WHO resources
Fifth report of the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series: Mental health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care. Read more
WHO fact sheet about mental health and forced displacement. Read more
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