‘If winter was the ONLY reason, would not ALL Finns suffer from depression?’ [Finland 100/Suomi 100]

Mahmudul Islam
Jul 22, 2017 · 16 min read
As an adventurer and blogger, Saana sets foot in many different destinations both at home and abroad, but she opines that silence in Finland is worth experiencing and is also the reason itself to come to this Nordic country. Courtesy: Saana Jaakkola

As Finland is celebrating its 100 years of independence in 2017, I could not come up with a far more excellent idea than talking to Finnish people from different walks of life about the idea of Finnishness. The centenary year gives the Finns plenty of reasons to look back at the past and rejoice at all their glorious achievements. I wanted to listen to the stories of Finnish people in order to get an insight into what it means to be a Finn, the Finnish way of life and future hopes for this Nordic nation. As would be expected, not everybody will tell the same story but combining them together can produce a powerful Finnish narrative that comprehensively reflects what this north European nation is like.


Saana Jaakkola is a travel blogger and freelance writer from Rauma, a medieval town where two of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland are located. The sites are Old Rauma, a typical Scandinavian wooden town featuring some 600 eye-catching buildings made of wood, and the Bronze Age burial site of Sammallahdenmäki that includes more than 30 granite burial cairns dating back more than 3,000 years.

Saana has a real passion for writing, and describes herself as a spontaneous traveller who “hates big planning” because the best adventures start from “last-minute offers with no time to plan”. For years, she has been going on adventurous journeys in various destinations to discover the true purpose of her life. In other words, she has been looking for an answer to the profound question that we all must have asked ourselves at some point in our life: what do I want to do with my life?

Saana, who has a British spouse, thinks it is an exaggeration to say that Finnish people purposely prefer not to have a rich social life. She argues that Finns are actually not so shy because going to sauna completely naked and nude swimming in public places are not activities that shy people would usually choose to do. She is of the opinion that free and easy access to nature in everyday life is the key reason why the Nordic people are the happiest in the world.

Whether you want to see some spectacular places in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, or be inspired to pursue your own dream of leading a life of adventure, follow Saana’s journey on her blog Live now — dream later. Also, check out the dazzling pictures of the beautiful moments from her travels on Instagram and follow her on Twitter.

Enjoy the interview!

Q. Tell me briefly who you are and what you do.

My name is Saana Jaakkola. I am a freelance writer and travel blogger from Rauma on the southwest coast of Finland.

Q. What makes a Finn a Finn? What does being a Finn mean to you?

Finns are often described as a shy, modest and honest nation. Partly, I feel it is true, but after getting to know a Finn a little better, you might reconsider the ‘Finns are shy’ part.

Finns may not know the art of small talk, or sit next to a stranger on a bus, but they sure know how to go to sauna bare naked or go skinny-dipping even in public places. Not so shy anymore, huh?

I guess this is what being a Finn means to me. Being a bit shy, definitely modest and honest, but at the same time a little bit crazy and unique — in a good way, of course.

Q. What are you most proud of as a Finn?

I feel privileged to be a Finn. We are living in a free and safe country, which is full of stunning and unique nature with the freedom to roam. It means I can hike and camp almost anywhere I want. I can pick and eat wild berries and mushrooms and breathe the cleanest air in the world. That is definitely something to be proud of.

Q. Finns often prefer isolation to social interaction. Does that mean Finnish people consciously want to live an isolated life by avoiding a vibrant social life? Or is it just the way of life that has been going on for generations?

I feel it is a bit exaggerated to say that Finns prefer isolation and avoid vibrant social life. We are a small number of people living in a relatively big country, and that is one of the reasons I love Finland. I could never imagine living in an overly crowded city with 5 million people (which is, in fact, almost the whole population of Finland).

It is true that we Finns like our personal space, probably because we have always had it. But is it such a bad thing? Some people prefer privacy more than others, but avoiding a vibrant social life is not something I would relate to the Finns in general. Is that how the world really sees us?

Q. In 1940, the New York Times said ‘sisu’ is a word that explains Finland. If sisu is such a key part of Finnish identity, then I would define Finns using three words that all start with the letter ‘S’ — sisu, sauna and silence. To what extent do you think my definition is correct?

All three describe Finland perfectly. Sisu is something that makes us get through the rough times without giving up. Mind over matter — you would say in English, but in Finnish we say we go ‘through the grey rock’. It means that no obstacle is big or strong enough to beat a Finn.

Sauna is an important part of the Finnish culture and also something to be proud of. I have lived abroad a few times, and sauna has always been the thing I have missed the most while away from home.

Saana says her mother is her national hero, who has done the tough job of indulging her over the years. Courtesy: Saana Jaakkola

As for silence, it is something I hear right at this moment as I am answering your questions. Silence. And a singing bird. No noise of traffic or anything, just peaceful sounds of the surrounding nature. It is worth experiencing and is the reason itself to come to Finland.

Q. Can you explain more, perhaps using examples, what it is like to be a Finn with sisu? Let us say you have been unemployed for long or experiencing some insurmountable life challenges. So if you are a Finn who has sisu, what will be your course of action to overcome these challenges?

I am happy to give you a real life example. A few years ago, I lost my job. Did I stay at home feeling sorry for myself when that happened? No. Instead, I saw an opportunity for a complete career change.

Even before my last working day in my old job, I had already confirmed a new one in Germany. I moved to Düsseldorf for six months to gain some experience, and as soon as I moved back to Finland, I started working as a freelancer and have now earned my living for the past three years working from home and doing what I love the most: writing.

More than anything, sisu is a state of mind. If things do not work the way you want, you will make them work, one way or another.

Q. One way of describing sisu is the ability to persevere in the face of extreme adversities. Success, as we know, comes with hard work and great perseverance. Do you think having sisu increases your chance of success in life?

Yes, I do think so, referring to the experience I described above. As I said, sisu is a state of mind. You do not need to be a Finn to have that attitude and perseverance.

Q. Let us add two more words beginning with ‘S’ — salmiakki and shyness. Salmiakki holds a special place in the heart of Finns, and Finns have been described as shy people. Tell me more!

Do not forget the other amazing things starting with the letter ‘S’, like Saana, haha!

It is true that we Finns like our personal space, probably because we have always had it. But is it such a bad thing?

Saana is actually a very beautiful fell in Lapland. You should visit the place if you have not yet.

What can I say? ‘S’ is a great letter!

Q. Finland and other Nordic countries are regularly ranked among the world’s happiest nations. Why are the Finns so happy? What is your definition of happiness?

I think happiness means different things to different people. Someone could be the happiest at home with a big family whereas another person feels the happiest while travelling alone.

To give a definition of happiness, I can only say you are happy when you are feeling comfortable and satisfied with your life. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy, aim for that (perhaps with the help of sisu).

Clean nature that is easily and freely accessible to everyone is something that the Nordic countries all have in common. Perhaps there lies the answer why people in the Nordic region are the happiest in the world. At least I would like to think so.

Saana lost her job a few years back, and it was sisu that helped her get back on her feet and also start a new career that enabled her to make money doing what she loves. She says sisu is a state of mind and anyone, irrespective of his or her nationality, can have that perseverance. Courtesy: Saana Jaakkola

Q. In contrast, we have an upsetting picture. Research says 1 in 10 Finns suffers from chronic loneliness. Also, depression is a big concern and suicide rate is high here. What is your opinion on ‘Finnish happiness’ when you take these saddening issues into account?

Every single person is individual, and we all come from different circumstances. We all have our history and our reasons to be happy, sad or scared, and in my opinion, the reasons for one’s loneliness or depression cannot be generalised.

Although sometimes it is generalised and the blame is often on the dark and cold winter when we have very little sunlight. But if winter was the only reason, would not all Finns suffer from depression?

Q. In 2010, Finland was named the best country in the world by American weekly magazine Newsweek. Also, World Economic Forum’s 2015 travel and tourism competitiveness report ranked Finland as ‘the safest place on earth’. What is your reaction to these rankings?

I feel very proud every time Finland is getting worldwide attention for positive aspects. Finland deserves to be noted.

I think every single Finn should try living abroad once in his or her life, at least for a little while. It teaches you to value home more than anything.

What I feel a bit sad about is that it seems like Finland needed to be noted worldwide for Finns themselves to realise how great is the country they live in. Better late than never, though, as now I feel like today’s Finns value their homeland more than before.

Q. If you were given the choice of living anywhere in the world, would you live in Finland? If yes, why? If not, why?

I would have the choice of living (almost) anywhere in the world. I have lived abroad a few times, but at the moment I feel pleased in Finland (ok, the weather could be nicer. It is July after all!).

Want to make a Finnish friend but feeling clueless about how to proceed because they all appear to be very withdrawn? Buy them a beer, Saana suggests, adding that you should keep trying and be yourself. Courtesy: Saana Jaakkola

On the other hand, I think every single Finn should try living abroad once in his or her life, at least for a little while. It teaches you to value home more than anything.

Q. Finland is gradually becoming a more culturally diverse country. Immigration is an increasingly important driver of population growth while there has also been a massive influx of refugees in the recent years. How do you feel about this? Do you think multiculturalism will make Finland ‘less Finnish’?

I do not think cultural diversity makes Finland any less Finnish. I like to think of it as richness, even though the growing immigration has brought up some acts and groups in my country that I am ashamed of. However, I guess each country has similar problems.

My hometown has always had a high number of people from different cultures due to the international construction projects and other international industries. For us, cultural diversity has been an everyday thing for years, and I do not think we have ever had any major problems because of it.

Thinking of the number of population in Rauma, this might be one of the most international and multicultural towns in Finland, and I am proud of it.

Q. Do you think Finland can benefit from the skills of foreigners?

Of course. Cultural diversity always brings along new insights and ideas (and new flavours that we all can benefit from, yum!).

Q. In what ways do you think Finland’s cultural and social landscape have changed in the last 10 years or so?

Thinking of the question locally, I do not feel that it has changed much in the past 10 years, as our social landscape here in Rauma has been very international throughout this period. It is challenging for me to speak for different parts of Finland as during the last decade, Rauma has been the only place in Finland I have lived in.

Q. What are the challenges of living in Finland? Also, what are the positive sides?

The only challenging issues I can think of right now are some small problems with the legislation that feel overly stupid. Why make simple things so complicated? A silly example would be a restaurant where customers cannot carry their drinks on outdoor tables just because there is a pavement between the terrace and the restaurant. I mean, really?!?

Saana defines happiness as the time when you feel comfortable and satisfied with your life. She says one should aim for anything that makes him or her feel happy. Courtesy: Tomi Björklund

Apart from that, I can only find positive things. I love the four seasons we have (although I would like to have proper winters back, please!). I love Finnish nature, the freedom to roam, and the freedom, security and safety in general that we all can enjoy.

Q. Finland’s economy is not doing well in the recent years. In 2015, Alexander Stubb described Finland as ‘the sick man of Europe’. And in 2016, the European Commission said Finnish economy was among the worst in the EU. What is your future hope for the Finnish economy?

I can only say I hope for the best. Finns have a lot of entrepreneurial drive, perhaps partly thanks to the famous sisu, but in some cases starting a business has been made very complicated. You would need to get your business up and running in full swing since the very beginning and you need to be brave enough to take the big step. If it was easier, I think we would have more and more new companies founded every day. It would also have a positive impact on the Finnish economy on a larger scale.

Q. Teaching has been one of the most respected and admired professions in Finland, and is particularly popular among young women. Why do so many Finns want to be teachers?

Haha, that is a great question (that I do not know the right answer to). I remember when I started school, every first-grader, especially girls, wanted to be a teacher. This is how many kids appreciated their first teacher — they all wanted to become like one.

For me, independence means I am able to be who I am. I can live my life the way I want to, and so can every Finn in this country. That is priceless.

But I guess only rarely these kids think the same 10 years later. Or maybe they do?

Q. Starting from January 2017, Finland, as part of a new 2-year basic income experiment, will give 560 euros a month to 2,000 unemployed people each. The objective of the trial is to see if it can increase employment and reduce poverty. What is your opinion on this? Do you think it will finally be able to boost employment figures?

I hope that the experiment works out as planned, but on the contrary, I am doubting if it will increase employment or make unemployed people stop trying to get jobs because they get a basic income without doing anything.

In Finland, you cannot do much with 560 euros a month as in most places it would not even cover the rent. But if it is enough, some people might just be satisfied with it.

I think the real focus should be on supporting part-time entrepreneurship or part-time employment rather than punishing for it. It would keep the drive on and would help create something successful rather than the ‘couch potatoes’ who already have stopped trying.

Q. Who is your national hero in Finland? Tell me more.

Oh dear, this is a tough one. I would love to say that it is my mother. She has made me what I am today and has put up with all my quirks and whims over the years. It has not been easy, I can tell! This is not probably the answer you were looking for but for me personally, my mum is my national hero!

Q. For a foreigner, it is difficult to befriend a Finn. If I am a foreigner and I want to make a Finnish friend, is there any golden rule that I can follow?

I am sorry to hear that making a Finnish friend is difficult for a foreigner. My experiences are completely different in this regard, probably because of the international environment I live in.

Obviously, I am not a foreigner, but I live and share my life with one as my spouse is British. I have plenty of friends from all over the world, and I have met most of them here in Rauma.

I would just say keep trying and be yourself. For some Finns who are not used to speak English, it might feel scary at first, but once they dare to try, the discussion will start flowing.

Perhaps you could buy them a beer, which often helps as encouragement, haha!

Q. What does Finnish independence mean to you? And what is your wish for your country as it is celebrating its 100th year of independence? Is there any area where you think Finland can do much better?

I guess there is always room for improvements, but there is no such thing as a perfect country. For me, Finland seems pretty perfect, and independence is an important reason behind that.

I guess this is what being a Finn means to me. Being a bit shy, definitely modest and honest, but at the same time a little bit crazy and unique — in a good way, of course.

For me, independence means I am able to be who I am. I do not need to fit into a particular image of a 30+ woman. I can live my life the way I want to, and so can every Finn in this country. That is priceless.

As I said that there is always room for improvements, for Finland’s centenary, I wish a better tomorrow. Whether it appears in the form of higher employment rates, fewer crimes, better financial status, fewer depressed and lonely people or another saved forest, this is what I wish for Finland: a better tomorrow.

Q. Finland is a highly egalitarian society, with women enjoying equal rights and opportunities as men in all fields of life. Gender equality is deeply rooted in the Finnish society. What is it like to live as a woman in such a society?

What can I say? It is great.

I have never needed to think about it or ponder what I would do differently if I were a man. I wish people all over the world could be able to say the same.

Of course, even on this subject, there is still room for improvements. In some jobs, for example, women still get paid less than men, but I think the situation is slowly getting better.



If you are a Finn, I’d love to hear your story and your ideas of Finnishness.

Your academic background, profession or other aspects of your life are not important at all for responding to my interview. If you are a Finn, I want to know what you have to say about Finnish society, life, culture and everything else that define Finland and Finnishness. Just throw me an e-mail at r2000.gp@gmail.com and I’ll be in touch ASAP. You can send me the answers to the interview questions by email, and I will publish your story on this blog. In other words, where you live does not matter — from north to south to east to west, wherever you are, I am here to hear.

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Mahmudul Islam

Written by

Writing Brings Me to Life. I Sing Finnish, Hindi and Bengali Songs with Karaoke. Personal Development| Intercultural Relationship| Meaningful Conversation

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