During the past decades, the occurrence of diagnosed mental health disorders, and of depression in particular, has risen markedly in Finland. Currently, mental health disorders are the group of diseases which lead most frequently to disability. The prevalence of burnout and stress, which was studied for the first time in 1997 in conjunction with macro-level developments in the world of work, is alarmingly high in the Finnish labour force. Some 50 % of Finns report some symptoms, and 7 % suffer from severe burnout. There are many reasons for the increase in the incidence of mental health disorders, including changes in the diagnostic system, improved recognition, the economic recession of the early 1990s, and high unemployment. Awareness of the scope of the problems and their impact on productivity has also risen, and the occupational health care providers and employers are demonstrating their willingness to address the issue in the workplace. Mental health is part of the concept of work ability that has been a concern to governments, employees and employers, particularly during the past decade.

This situation analysis provides an overview of mental health issues in the world of work in Finland. Three topics are examined in depth. They are: Mental health at the national level; The role of government and social partners; and Managing mental health issues in the workplace.

Mental health at the national level

Mental health at the national level begins with an overview of the prevalence of mental disorders, stress, and burnout in Finland, with an emphasis on work-related problems. The recession of the 1990s brought many changes to Finnish society and the Finnish labour market, such as high unemployment, job insecurity, short-term contracts, and time pressure. Several studies have connected the high prevalence of stress, burnout, and depression to changes taking place in the labour market. However, so far epidemiological studies are limited

The situation analysis notes the increased economic burden related to mental health problems. In 1994, the total cost of mental health disorders to society in Finland was calculated as 2 % of GNP, with depression accounting for about half that cost. Mental health disorders are the leading cause of disability pensions. In the realm of work, mental health problems may reduce a person's work ability and result in lowered productivity and increased levels of absenteeism. They are therefore responsible for economic losses to both employees and employers. However, their total human and social impact on individuals and their families cannot be quantified.

The report examines individuals' access to mental health care services in detail. Both the municipal health care system, which covers all residents of Finland, and the occupational health care system provide extensive services and cover mental health care. However, the economic downturn of the early 1990s, which brought pressure to cut costs, resulted in fundamental changes in the Finnish health care system, particularly in the realm of mental health care. The number of inpatient beds was reduced dramatically. The new role and responsibilities of outpatient care are evolving, but