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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 0800-300-303
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provided by the Association of Psychologists of Republika Srpska, this helpline offers confidential and free support for individuals in crisis. (udruzenjep.si)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 122 (Police) / 124 (Medical Emergency)
    • Notes: Accessible for immediate assistance in emergencies, including mental health crises.
  1. Mental Health Support Line:
    • Phone Number: +387 33 568 800
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM–4 PM
    • Additional Details: Operated by the Sarajevo Canton Mental Health Institute, focusing on support for mental health concerns.
bosnia and herzegovia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 13.2 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina have remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease in recent years.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females, reflecting global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Significantly lower than males but remains a public health concern.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing rates, often linked to unemployment, societal pressure, and lack of mental health resources.
    • Elderly (60+): Higher rates observed, often associated with loneliness and chronic illness.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas, potentially due to social isolation and limited access to mental health services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have a national suicide prevention strategy. However, efforts are being made by NGOs and mental health organizations to address this issue.
  • Key Elements:
    • Mental health services are provided through a network of mental health centers and psychiatric clinics.
    • Efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare are underway.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: Mental health campaigns during World Mental Health Day aim to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Initiatives focus on supporting war veterans and their families, a demographic identified as being at higher risk of suicide due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social challenges.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships between NGOs, mental health organizations, and international entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve mental health infrastructure and training.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier to seeking help in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is particularly evident in rural areas.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Detailed demographic data on suicide rates and mental health challenges within specific groups, such as LGBTQIA+ and minority populations, is limited.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased awareness and efforts to integrate mental health services into primary care show promise in addressing mental health challenges.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Bosnia and Herzegovina – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/bosnia-and-herzegovina/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. Association of Psychologists of Republika Srpska. (n.d.). Crisis Hotline Information. Retrieved from https://udruzenjep.si/
  3. Sarajevo Canton Mental Health Institute. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.mz.ks.gov.ba/
  4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health Services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/