Mental ill-health is a significant social and public health problem in the Nordic countries. Multiple studies also show that mental health problems have increased in the Nordic countries in recent years, particularly among young people. Studies show that there are also gender differences when it comes to mental ill-health and that gender, sexuality and masculinity norms play an important role in how young men manage and experience their mental health.

A new research overview from NIKK, Nordic Information on Gender, focuses in particular on knowledge about young men’s mental health in relation to current conditions and challenges in education and training and the workplace in the Nordic countries. The study also highlights knowledge about the impacts of the pandemic on young men’s mental health, where increased unemployment, distance teaching and isolation have risked reinforcing negative spirals in mental well-being.

Elin Engström, Director of NIKK, believes that the results help to highlight the relationship between mental health, education and working life:

Schools and workplaces are important places where young men can come into contact with health promotion and support, and they can provide a sense of belonging. At the same time, the review shows that much of the mental ill health can be rooted in poor experiences of the education system and poor working environment. It is important that we look at the types of norms and beliefs that are reproduced in our Nordic educational institutions and workplaces and provide personalised support to those who need it.

The study also highlights the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for young men’s mental health, as increased unemployment, distance learning and isolation have risked reinforcing a negative development of mental health.

This webinar presents four reports with new research and key learnings. One of them is NIKK:s report on young men´s mental ill-health, which will be published later this spring. The webinar is arranged in collaboration with the Nordic Welfare Center.

Nordic youth, experts and scientists will share their knowledge and insights into why involvement can make a huge difference during a crisis. You will be given insights into what consequences the pandemic had, and how we can handle a future crisis better. We also dive into some new research on the consequences for young people’s mental health., and the gender differences.  The webinar is a part of a four-year Nordic cooperation project lead by the Nordic Welfare Centre on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Registration and event details

The webinar is free of charge and will be held in English. For this webinar we offer English Sign interpretation on request. Please register in the sign up form no later then April 12th.

Time zone: Europe/Stockholm (UTC+1)

Registration form: Nordic youth – voices on wellbeing (lyyti.fi

Start: 27 Apr 2023 at 13:00
End: 27 Apr 2023 at 15:20

Nordic Welfare Center’s event page: Nordic youth – voices on wellbeing  | NVC (nordicwelfare.org)

Despite the fact that life conditions of LGBTI persons* in the Nordic countries have changed in the last seventy years, major public health surveys indicate that this group suffers from an increased amount of mental and physical health issues compared to the rest of the population. Younger generations of LGBTI persons see their lives affected, too, by having a sexuality or gender identity that falls outside the traditional norm. Today a report is being presented (produced by NIKK on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers) that describes the current state of research and presents a number of efforts intended to improve the life conditions of this group.  

The purpose of the report Health, well-being and life conditions of young LGBTI persons in the Nordic countries is to spread knowledge and experiences in the region, in order to contribute to better life conditions. The report consists of two parts:  

• A research overview describing the current state of research regarding the health and well-being of young LGBTI persons in the Nordic countries, and 
• A mapping, presenting a selection of efforts aimed to improve the well-being of young LGBTI persons in the Nordic countries. 

Health impact factors 

Studies that focus on mental health and experiences of, among other things, depression, anxiety, and stress, indicate that having a sexuality or gender identity which falls outside the norm seems to have a major impact on mental health. Trans persons in particular are reporting mental health issues exceeding the average. 

• Studies show that it is also far more common among young LGBTI persons to experience self injury, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, says research overview author Anna Siverskog, Ph. D., and lecturer at the School of Health and Welfare at Jönköping University. 

The LGBTI group also reports below-average physical health, in particular among trans persons. Multiple studies further indicate above-average drug and alcohol abuse in the LGBTI group. They also show how norms prevalent in sports contexts may affect which adolescents feel welcome there.  

Norms and life conditions  

Studies acknowledge that many young LGBTI persons are unable to be as candid as they would like, regarding their sexuality or gender identity. Sexual harassment and vulnerability to violence appear to be common. Trans persons in particular are subjected to offensive treatment, or to harassment. Such violence is rarely reported to the police. The report highlights, among other materials, studies with a focus on school, working life, growing up in rural areas, the importance of geography, and contexts where religion and conservative norms hold sway.  

The report also addresses factors that create differences within the LGBTI group. For example, young bisexuals frequently display somewhat less well-being compared to young homosexuals. Differences between homo- and bisexual girls and boys can also be observed across multiple studies.  

Needs and measures 

A recurring model of explanation in the studies reviewed is that the difficulties experienced by young LGBTI persons in daily life revolve around what is known as minority stress. This is a concept used to describe a minority position which involves an increased risk of exposure to various psychosocial stressors (such as coping with bullying, discrimination, and violence). With this in mind, awareness-raising efforts are in focus when the studies propose any recommendations. 

Efforts made in the Nordic countries 

The mapping of efforts includes measures taken at municipal, regional and national levels, in many different areas throughout the Nordic countries. The efforts are targeting young people directly, as well as a number of professions with which they interact, such as school and healthcare staff. Other efforts may involve raising awareness about the situation of young LGBTI persons, and tasking key authorities with awarding the group a particular focus. 

It is mainly the LGBTI organisations of the respective nations who serve as the primary actors behind the efforts aimed directly at the target group. Other actors can be found among recreation leaders and social welfare secretaries operating locally, in a municipality or region. Collaboration frequently occurs between organisations and occupational groups. LGBTI organisations tend to function as repositories of knowledge, and provide professionals with education and in-service training covering issues pertaining to the health and life conditions of young LGBTI persons. 

Presentation of the report during World Pride 

The report Health, well-being and life conditions of young LGBTI persons in the Nordic countries is presented today, 16 August, during the World Pride panel debate “Nordic ministers gather forces for young LGBTI people’s wellbeing”. 

Since 2019, LGBTI issues have been an area of political co-operation in the Nordic Region, and in 2020 the Nordic Council of Ministers adopted the world’s first regional LGBTI strategy. 

*LGBTI  
LGBTI is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex.  
This term is used in the Nordic context as well as many other, international ones.