The challenge aims to address the critical intersection between mental health and crisis contexts, recognising the profound and long-lasting impact that adverse events have on individuals’ psychological well-being. Crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic instability or social upheavals often lead to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and trauma, significantly weakening individuals’ resilience and their ability to cope. This was particularly evident in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating earthquakes in Zagreb, Sisak, Petrinja and the surrounding areas, which created a prolonged state of psychological strain for the population. However, these events are not the only factors that challenge mental health, especially among young people. Daily stressors and transitional periods, such as starting university, changing jobs, financial insecurity, or navigating housing difficulties in periods of high inflation, have increasingly become sources of emotional overload. Many young people find themselves struggling to manage these pressures, leading to feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and reduced capacity for effective coping.
These combined stressors highlight the importance of understanding mental health not only in the context of individual experience but also as part of broader social, economic, and community dynamics. The challenge therefore calls for increased awareness, education on emotional resilience, and the promotion of accessible tools that help individuals strengthen their coping capacities. By emphasising preventive approaches, self-care strategies, and community support, the aim is to empower young people and wider society to maintain psychological stability, recover from adversity, and build long-term resilience that enables them to face crises more confidently and sustainably.
The roots of mental health challenges connected to crises are diverse, ranging from large-scale external events to individual life transitions. Root causes include natural disasters, pandemics, global conflicts, economic downturns, and other societal disruptions that create sudden or prolonged instability. In Croatia, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquakes in Zagreb, Sisak and Petrinja triggered widespread psychological distress and significantly increased emotional vulnerability. Beyond these events, young people face persistent challenges related to academic pressures, job insecurity, housing difficulties, inflation, and expectations that often exceed their coping capacities. According to data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (2023), reactions to severe stress and adjustment disorders, such as PTSD, are among the five leading causes of hospitalisation, showing how deeply crises affect mental health on a systemic level.
Another crucial root cause is the insufficient availability and accessibility of mental health services, particularly for young people. Many struggle to afford psychological support without family or institutional help, while long waiting lists and fragmented services reduce the likelihood of early intervention. Stigma surrounding mental health and help-seeking continues to pose a significant barrier. Although awareness has improved in recent years, stigma still discourages individuals from seeking support, leading to untreated emotional difficulties and further deterioration of well-being.
A wide range of actors are involved in addressing these challenges. These include individuals directly affected by crises; families and peers who provide immediate emotional support; teachers, youth workers, and employers who observe early signs of distress; mental health professionals who offer specialised care; and institutions such as schools, universities, social services, healthcare providers, NGOs, and public authorities responsible for crisis response and community support. Emergency services, community organisations, and volunteer networks also play key roles in providing psychological first aid, mobilising resources, and strengthening local resilience.
The consequences of these challenges extend far beyond immediate emotional reactions. Individuals may experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, reduced concentration, sleep disturbances, and difficulty functioning in daily life. Young people may struggle in their academic work, face barriers to entering the labour market, or experience strained relationships. On a community level, reduced resilience and ongoing psychological strain weaken collective capacity to respond to future crises. Social cohesion may decline, trust in institutions may erode, and communities may face slower recovery after emergencies.
The overall impact of these intertwined consequences is significant: mental health challenges affect individual well-being, family stability, community strength, and national social and economic systems. When mental health needs remain unmet during crises, long-term recovery becomes more difficult, public health systems face increased pressure, and the broader societal capacity to adapt and thrive is weakened.
Possible solutions require coordinated approach that combines prevention, intervention, and long-term support. Key solutions include:
•Strengthening mental health infrastructure by ensuring accessible, affordable, and community-based services.
•Raising awareness and reducing stigma through education campaigns, youth programs, and open dialogue about mental health.
•Building community resilience by establishing peer-support networks, youth engagement initiatives, and local support systems that promote connection and solidarity.
•Integrating mental health into crisis response plans, ensuring the availability of psychological first aid, trained personnel, and structured protocols for responding to emotional distress.
•Empowering individuals with practical tools and coping strategies, such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, stress management skills, and methods for emotional regulation that help them maintain stability during crises.
•Promoting early intervention by training teachers, youth workers, and community members to recognise early signs of distress and direct individuals to appropriate support.
By addressing root causes, involving all relevant actors, and implementing sustainable solutions, societies can not only mitigate the negative consequences of crises but also cultivate long-term resilience that empowers individuals, especially young people, to navigate adversity with strength, confidence, and hope.
Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo (HZJZ) – Mental Health Department
HZJZ provides national guidelines, statistics, and preventive programs related to mental health. They also issue reports on youth mental health trends and crisis impacts (e.g., COVID-19).
Centar za zdravlje mladih Zagreb (Youth Health Center Zagreb)
A key institution offering psychological counselling, preventive programs, youth mental health workshops, and crisis support for adolescents and young adults in Zagreb.
Hrvatski Crveni Križ (Croatian Red Cross)
Offers psychosocial support in emergencies, including post-disaster counselling, mobile crisis teams, and mental health programs in the aftermath of earthquakes and other crises.
Poliklinika za zaštitu djece i mladih Grada Zagreba
Provides expert support, therapy, and diagnostics for children and youth experiencing trauma, stress, or mental health challenges. They publish professional materials and research on youth resilience.
Ministarstvo zdravstva Republike Hrvatske (Ministry of Health)
Responsible for national mental health strategies, policies, and emergency response planning. Provides resources related to public health interventions.
Hrabri telefon (Brave Phone)
Hrabri telefon is a non-profit organization in Croatia that provides free, confidential, and anonymous support to children, youth, and parents facing crises, psychological distress, or challenging life situations.
Let’s join forces to empower young people and communities, turning mental health challenges into opportunities for resilience, support, and lasting impact.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Youth Institute (INJUVE). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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