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Montenegro

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 116 111 (National Mental Health Helpline – SOS Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential support in Montenegrin for individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. (czrm.me)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +382 20 241 540 (Institute for Public Health of Montenegro – Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support and mental health services. (ijzcg.me)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: European emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +382 69 164 626 (Queer Montenegro Support Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support and counseling for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (queermontenegro.org)
Suicide Prevention in Montenegro

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 13.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Montenegro have remained steady, with slight increases linked to economic hardship and post-conflict trauma.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, reflecting global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though self-harm and non-fatal suicide attempts are more common among women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising concern due to academic stress, cyberbullying, and social isolation.
    • Elderly (60+): Increased suicide risk due to loneliness, economic insecurity, and chronic illness.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to economic challenges and limited access to mental health services.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Post-War Veterans and Families: PTSD and trauma-related suicide risk is a growing concern.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face discrimination-related mental health challenges and increased suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Montenegro has implemented a National Suicide Prevention Program as part of its broader Mental Health Strategy.
  • Key Elements:
    • Strengthening psychological services in hospitals and clinics.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.
    • Suicide prevention training for healthcare providers, teachers, and law enforcement.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Pričaj sa Mnom” (“Talk to Me”) encourages mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Veteran Mental Health Programs: Support groups and counseling for individuals affected by past conflicts.
    • School-Based Mental Health Initiatives: Teaching emotional resilience and coping strategies.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Montenegro collaborates with WHO, European mental health organizations, and local NGOs to improve suicide prevention services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online therapy platforms providing anonymous mental health support.
    • AI-powered suicide risk assessment tools integrated into healthcare settings.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for educators, healthcare workers, and emergency responders.
    • Peer-support networks for individuals recovering from mental health crises.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a stigmatized issue in Montenegro, particularly in rural areas.
    • Traditional views on masculinity can create barriers to seeking mental health support among men.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • More research is needed on suicide risks among LGBTQIA+ individuals and war-affected populations.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts remains an issue, particularly in conservative communities.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Montenegro is expanding its mental health services, particularly through awareness campaigns and improved crisis support.
    • Suicide prevention initiatives are becoming more integrated into the national healthcare system.

References

  1. Montenegro Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.mzdravlja.gov.me/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Montenegro – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Montenegro. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Institute for Public Health Montenegro. (n.d.). Crisis Support and Mental Health Services in Montenegro. Retrieved from https://www.ijzcg.me/
  5. Queer Montenegro. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.queermontenegro.org/
  6. UNICEF Montenegro. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Montenegro. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/montenegro/