# Mental health crisis in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mental-health-crisis-in-croatia-and-bosnia-and-herzegovina
> Updated: 2026-10-05T09:39:03.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Medical professionals in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are reporting a significant increase in mental health issues, including anxiety, stress-induced disorders, and depression. In Croatia, specialists have noted a rise in burnout, particularly among family physicians, and a critical shortage of medical staff in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Recent data highlights that mental disorders account for 30 percent of all disability causes in Croatia. Among the youth population, there has been a noted increase in self-harm among girls aged 15 to 19. Experts warn that social stigma prevents many from seeking help, estimating that for every person receiving treatment, two others remain without assistance.

In response to these trends, new initiatives such as the PRISM project and the ‘Abeceda mentalnog zdravlja’ digital campaign are being introduced to provide crisis intervention training and prevention education for young people.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Mental health issues rise among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Health officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia report rising rates of anxiety and depression, especially among youth, while noting that social stigma prevents many from seeking necessary help.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mental-health-issues-rise-among-youth-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-croatia

### 2026-09-21: Croatia sees rise in anxiety and burnout cases

Psychiatrist Jakša Vukojević reports rising rates of anxiety and burnout in Croatia, noting a significant increase in burnout among European family physicians.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-sees-rise-in-anxiety-and-burnout-cases

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Cite as: Mental health crisis in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mental-health-crisis-in-croatia-and-bosnia-and-herzegovina