The realisation of mental health rights protects the mental well-being of everyone. In mental health services – as well as in other services – it is essential to ensure that these rights are implemented equally. Promoting these rights also requires efforts to reduce prejudice, misconceptions, and polarisation. These goals are an integral part of the National mental health strategy and suicide program, which emphasises a human rights–based approach, equal services, and the reduction of stigma.
Stigma challenges professionals and the service system
Stigma and discrimination related to mental health, substance use problems, and addictions weaken people’s well-being, participation, and equal access to services. Stigma may appear in attitudes, language, practices, and structures, and it can be either explicit or subtle. A stigma-informed and non-discriminatory service culture strengthens trust in services, empowers clients and patients, and improves the quality and impact of services. Recognising and addressing stigma and discrimination is a key element in ensuring the realisation of mental health rights.
National recommendations for reducing stigma and discrimination
The recommendations for identifying and reducing stigma and discrimination related to mental health, substance use problems, and addictions outline goals and measures that can promote equality across different sectors. These recommendations support the implementation of the mental health strategy and other national policies, and they serve as guidance for all actors who can influence attitudes, practices, and structures.
Recommendations for identifying and reducing stigma and discrimination related to mental health, substance use problems, and addictions (in Finnish, Julkari)
Online training on identifying stigma and discrimination
The online training supports professionals in recognising stigma and discrimination and in strengthening stigma-informed work practices.
Online training on identifying stigma and discrimination
Tools for work communities – values-based reflection
The materials for values-based reflection support work communities in identifying stigma and discriminatory practices, as well as in strengthening a non-discriminatory and equal organisational culture.
Stigma-informed values-based reflection for teams and work communities (in Finnish, Innokylä)
Further information in Finnish:
- National quality criteria for seclusion and restraint: Handbook (in Finnish, Julkari)
- "Must tuntuu, että tää on just se työ, mihin mä kuulun": IPS employment support integrated into psychiatric care as support for employment (in Finnish, Julkari)
- Substance use and addiction strategy (in Finnish, Julkaisuarkisto Valto)