Mental health challenges and substance abuse have become the leading reasons young Finnish men are exempted from military service, according to the conscription register.
Last year, more than half of those granted exemptions cited issues related to mental health, substance use or behavioural problems — trends that have increased in recent years.
Military or civilian service is mandatory in Finland for men between the ages of 18 and 30, unless they receive a medical exemption.
"Obesity and poor physical fitness have become more common, but mental health issues have risen even more significantly," said Dr. Kari-Pekka Helenius, a conscription doctor with nearly 30 years of experience.
In 2009, mental health and substance abuse were the reason for 39 percent of military service exemptions, while last year they accounted for around 56 percent of exemptions.
Helenius noted that substance abuse, including alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, often appears in the medical or even police records of conscripts.
"These patterns can be seen in medical histories and, at times, through police reports," he said.
Exemptions on the rise
In 2023, nearly one in five men born in 2005 — around 5,600 young people — were exempted from military service.
Exemptions are categorised into two classes: a permanent exemption (Class C) or a temporary exemption (Class E). Helenius attributed this rise to stricter pre-service health assessments implemented two decades ago to reduce service interruptions.
"It's no longer every young man's 'school of manhood,'" he noted, alluding to the common notion in Finland that armed service is a coming of age where boys turn to men.
Some young men seek excuses to avoid conscription, citing issues like mental health struggles or physical limitations such as back pain. In ambiguous cases, decisions about service eligibility are postponed for further evaluation. Helenius stressed that fabricated excuses are not a widespread issue, as such claims often reveal deeper, genuine challenges.
Health issues outweigh desire to serve
Helenius said that he encounters many young men eager to serve but unable to do so due to health issues. Substance abuse during service, for instance, poses a significant safety risk. Conversations with these individuals can be long and emotionally charged, as they reconcile their willingness to serve with the realities of their health limitations.
"The stricter pre-assessment process has led to longer discussions with young people about why military service may not be the best option for them," Helenius explained.
Mental health issues, obesity, Type 1 diabetes and musculoskeletal problems like knee or back pain remain the most common reasons for exemptions. Despite these challenges, Helenius emphasised that most young people are still healthy and motivated to serve, meeting the country's defence needs.
A growing concern
However, Helenius acknowledges an increase in young people facing severe difficulties, which he attributed to rapid societal changes. He urges parents to establish boundaries early, noting that intervention at the cusp of conscription can be too late.
While Finland's much-criticised social and healthcare services function reasonably well for young people, Helenius pointed out that growing demand is stretching the system's capacity.
"It's a fact that the need for care has grown. While the system works, it can't always meet the rising demand as well as we'd hope," he said.
