Depression sending more young adults on sick leave
Young workers get more than 400,000 sick days a year for mental health reasons
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A fresh study published in the magazine Sosiaalivakuutus, which is put out by the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (KELA) indicates that there has been a sharp increase in the number of sick days stemming from mental health problems suffered by young adults.
KELA compensated more than 400,000 days off work last year for employees aged 16 to 29. The figure is 44 per cent higher than five years earlier.
The increase for males aged 16-19 who suffered from depression increased by a ful 75 per cent.
The increase in periods of sick leave for men under the age of 30 increased by 40 per cent. For women, the increase was 49 per cent.
Research Professor Emeritus Raimo Raitasalo said that young people suffering from depression are too often left without sufficient follow-up care.
Raitasalo emphasises that young patients should not be treated with medications alone. Sick leaves are most frequent for those who have learning disabilities or other disturbances in cognitive activities.
“We must assume that the level of requirements is growing in different areas in such a way that vulnerable young people are no longer keeping up.”
He says that support networks for young people at home, at school, and at work have become weaker.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 14.12.2009 - TODAY |
 Depression sending more young adults on sick leave |
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