Reader Opinion: Young People Still Need Adult Support to Process Their Emotions

As readers of Helsingin Sanomat, we are presented with a thoughtful opinion piece that delves into a critical aspect of youth development: emotional literacy and the role of adults in this process. The author, Elina Rajaniemie, an expert in violence prevention, and Iida Säippä, a social work student, raise a vital point: simply acknowledging that young people express their emotions more openly is not enough. We, as the older generation, must actively engage with and support their journey.

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It is not enough to think that young people already know how to do it. They still need adults beside them who help them face difficult emotions and show how they can be regulated safely.

The shift from past generations' tendency to suppress or deflect difficult emotions to today's more open 'emotional speech' is significant. However, the article rightly points out that this increased verbalization doesn't always equate to deep emotional processing. There's a risk that surface-level discussions can mask deeper, unaddressed struggles. This is where our responsibility as adults becomes paramount. We need to move beyond assuming young people have 'figured it out' and instead offer consistent, guided support in navigating complex feelings.

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All young people can not or do not want to talk about their feelings or difficulties with their own parents. That is why the free, low-threshold safe spaces offered by organizations are invaluable.

This piece highlights the indispensable role of non-governmental organizations and community groups. For many young people, these provide crucial, low-threshold safe havens where they can articulate feelings and experiences that they might not feel comfortable sharing with parents or guardians. These spaces are vital for ensuring that difficult emotions don't remain hidden and unacknowledged, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

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At the same time, adults also need support and opportunities to talk about their own difficult emotions and get help for them. Without this support, it is difficult to support a young person.

Furthermore, the article makes a crucial point often overlooked: adults also require support. It is challenging to guide a young person through their emotional turmoil if one's own emotional well-being is not being tended to. The call for shared practice and mutual support underscores a holistic approach to mental and emotional health. From the perspective of Helsingin Sanomat, fostering such open dialogue and providing resources for both youth and adults is essential for building a healthier, more resilient society in Finland.

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Emotional speech alone is not enough. We need actions, support, and joint practice so that emotions can become a resource and do not erupt, for example, as violence towards oneself or others.