Croatia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 13.1 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Croatia have shown a gradual decline due to increased public awareness and mental health interventions.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but rates of suicide attempts are higher among women.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide remains a leading cause of death in this group, often linked to academic pressures, bullying, and mental health stigma.
   • Elderly (60+): Higher rates of suicide are observed among the elderly, linked to loneliness, chronic illness, and social isolation.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates in rural areas due to social isolation, limited mental health services, and economic challenges.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Veterans of the Croatian War of Independence are at higher risk of suicide due to PTSD, depression, and economic instability.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Croatia has adopted the National Strategy for Mental Health (2020–2030), which includes specific measures for suicide prevention.
• Key Elements:

• • Expansion of community-based mental health services.
  • Training programs for healthcare professionals in suicide prevention.
  • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: “Don’t Keep It to Yourself” campaign promotes mental health awareness and encourages people to reach out for support.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Veterans: Specialized programs provide psychological support for veterans of the Croatian War of Independence.
   • Adolescents: School-based mental health programs focus on resilience and suicide prevention.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, local governments, and NGOs to enhance mental health services and reduce suicide rates.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Online platforms and apps provide mental health resources and support, particularly for younger populations.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training community leaders, educators, and healthcare workers to recognize and address signs of suicide risk.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier in Croatia, particularly in rural areas and among older generations.
  • Efforts to integrate traditional family support systems into mental health care have been successful.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ populations and refugees is limited.

• Positive Developments:

• • The implementation of the National Strategy for Mental Health and the success of public awareness campaigns demonstrate Croatia’s commitment to addressing suicide prevention.

References

1. Plavi Telefon (Blue Telephone). (n.d.). Support Services. Retrieved from https://plavi-telefon.hr/
2. Trading Economics. (2019). Croatia – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/croatia/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
3. Ministry of Health, Croatia. (n.d.). National Strategy for Mental Health 2020–2030. Retrieved from https://zdravstvo.gov.hr/
4. UNICEF Croatia. (n.d.). Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.hr/
5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Croatia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/