I AM RUNNING FOR MY SINCERE LOVE FOR EUROPE AND BELIEF THAT IT'S NOT TOO LATE YET TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THE WORLD.
The last moments are in our hands to change direction so that we can achieve an ecologically and socially sustainable future. I am running for the European Parliament because we are running out of time to change the direction of Europe.
Now Europe is also heating up under the heat waves and wildfires created by the climate crisis. War has returned to Europe as Ukraine burns under the bombs, while the possibilities of living in peace and protection from violence are shaken around the world. A performance society based on efficiency, overconsumption and competition is fueling a mental health crisis, creating a new epidemic that threatens to burn people out.
In the midst of all this, the far right is rising in Europe towards an election victory, claiming that solutions can be found in exclusion, isolation and turning back the clock decades into the past. In reality, it would not fix anything, but would dilute the solutions to crises. In this world situation, we need cross-border cooperation. The voice of humanity and compassion.
Friends, I'm asking for your support again - let's repeat together the historically good result of the parliamentary elections, now in this spring's European elections.
This time we need the whole of Finland behind us. I can't do it alone, I just need your help. Let's make a better Europe for all of us, regardless of starting point - together.
EMPATHY AND THE EXPERTISE OF A PSYCHOLOGIST ARE NEEDED IN POLITICS.
I know that life is not a straightforward path of set milestones and achievements. I’ve personally been through a challenging adolescence marked by untreated mental health issues, leading to substance abuse and dropping out of high school. As an adult, I was able to go back and complete my high school education, go to university to gain a master’s degree in psychology – and now I want to help others.
In addition to clinical work, I’m one of a few Finnish researchers specialising in the psychological impacts of climate change. My personal experiences and work in research has shown me how a society built on efficiency maximisation, overconsumption, and competition is causing our planet to burn, while burning out the people on it. The well-being of society and nature is fundamentally interconnected with mental well-being. This is why all politics is fundamentally about mental health policy.
I am in politics because I cannot follow on from the sidelines as more and more people get sick and are left without help. I want to create meaningful change by actively listening to and understanding people. I want to make empathy and the insights I have gained as a psychologist central to how we build a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Even if we might feel like we are alone, we each have a valuable voice that deserves to be heard. Now, I want to bring your voice to the European Parliament.
FROM THE HUSTLE CULTURE TO A MORE BALANCED LIFE
making sure people are not burning out under unreasonable demands.
The growth of mental health issues is not only humanely, but also economically, one of the greatest challenges faced by Europe. One of the main drivers behind these issues is an ever intensifying push for productivity in both employment and higher education. This growing intensity has instilled a sense of insecurity, and leaves many concerned about their ability to cope in the current culture. However, regardless of their capacity for full-time work, everyone deserves access to an adequate livelihood.
Prioritizing the well-being of nature as a foundation for good mental health and a fulfilling life
making sure our planet does not burn beyond repair
Alongside the rest of the world, Europe is burning up as a result of the ongoing climate crisis. The acceleration of biodiversity loss combined with the advancing climate crisis stand as the paramount challenges of our era, fueling a surge in hopelessness and anxiety. Addressing these challenges can only be done through systemic change which recognizes humanity as one part of nature, on par, but not above, other living beings. A just transition must prioritize fairness and diminishing social and economic disparities.
Instilling hope and security through the protection of peace and human rights
making sure Europe does not burn in the flames of war and polarization
War has returned to Europe as Ukraine burns under bombardment, and the opportunities of living a life safe from violence diminish around the world. Warfare, conflicts, and the escalation of social tensions are resulting in worsening mental health outcomes. Meanwhile social media algorithms exacerbate a polarized society. Fostering a cohesive European society founded on shared experiences and human connection can act as an alternative to such divisions.
TOGETHER WE ALL CAN CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF POLITICS.
IT TAKES COURAGE TO RE-IMAGINE THINGS.
Social structures and decisions should support the well-being of the environment and nature, as well as people's opportunities to live equally and without undue burden. However, there is often something completely different at the center of contemporary politics: the pressure to produce and perform, unreasonable expectations of making everything more efficient and putting plasters on top of crises without addressing the root causes. On top of all that, crises, the escalation of conflicts and a tense spiritual atmosphere fuel each other.
Safeguarding mental well-being should be at the center of all political decision-making. Good mental health is created in relation to the environment and society. Mental health is a central part of both social and health policy, economic and employment policy, and climate policy. In the end, all politics is mental health politics.
A MENTALLY STRONG EUROPE
TOUR
During the election spring, from March to June, Julia tours Finland from north to south and from east to west.
Follow the social media and see where you can meet Julia next!
