Mental health experts share strategies for supporting individuals in crisis

Psychologists and mental health experts are highlighting effective communication strategies for supporting individuals in distress. Psychologist Jaime Zuckerman suggests that the phrase ‘That makes sense’ can be more effective than ‘I understand,’ as it validates a person's experience and feelings without claiming to have lived through the same specific pain.

In the context of suicide prevention, experts emphasize the importance of calm, honest responses such as, ‘I see that this is very hard for you. I am glad you told me. I won't leave you alone with this.’

Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health shows that while suicide rates in Croatia have decreased significantly since 1999, the rate remains higher than the European Union average. In 2024, Croatia recorded 542 suicides, a rate of 14 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the 2021 EU average of 8.8 per 100,000. Experts note a significant gender disparity, with men being much more likely to die by suicide, often due to a lower tendency to verbalize psychological suffering and seek professional help compared to women.