Japan and Serbia are reflecting on shared mental health challenges, including suicide prevention, stigma, social isolation and the need for stronger community-based support systems. Although the two countries differ geographically and historically, experiences from both contexts show that mental health is increasingly linked to social resilience, public health and peacebuilding.
A UN Volunteer and Women, Peace and Security Specialist at UNDP Serbia highlighted these connections through work focused on gender, youth engagement, domestic violence prevention, firearm misuse and suicide prevention. The reflection shows how Japan’s long experience in addressing suicide and Serbia’s strong social and family connections can offer lessons for each other.
In Japan, suicide became widely recognized as a social issue from the late 1990s through the 2000s, when annual suicide numbers exceeded 30,000. Social and cultural pressures, including overwork, isolation, school absenteeism and withdrawal from social contact, have contributed to mental health concerns. While suicide numbers have declined in several age groups, concerns remain, particularly among young people aged 10 to 19.
Serbia faces similar concerns, especially among young people who report anxiety, hopelessness, social pressure and limited access to support. Stigma continues to discourage open conversations and help-seeking. Mental health challenges also affect older people, particularly men, who may face risks linked to trauma, isolation, economic pressure and high suicide rates.
Japan has introduced several approaches that could offer practical lessons for Serbia. One example is the national Mental Health Supporter training initiative, which helps community members and workplace supporters understand mental health, listen to people in distress and encourage early support. This model could be useful in Serbia, where access to mental health specialists may be limited.
Digital tools are also playing a growing role in Japan’s mental health response. Schools use tablets to help students report concerns related to bullying and emotional distress, while chat-based consultation services make it easier for young people to seek help. Workplace stress checks and online self-assessment tools also allow people to monitor their mental health more regularly.
At the same time, Japan continues to face challenges related to loneliness and social isolation. In response, the country has promoted public-private efforts to create places where people feel a sense of belonging. These initiatives show that mental health support requires not only services, but also stronger social connections.
Serbia also offers important lessons for Japan. The way people in Serbia maintain relationships with family, workplaces and communities can create a stronger sense of connection and emotional space. This slower pace of life and depth of human connection may offer valuable insights for countries struggling with isolation and loneliness.
The comparison between Japan and Serbia shows that stronger mental health systems require a combination of effective policies, early support, community connection and open dialogue. As mental health becomes increasingly important to social resilience, violence prevention and peacebuilding, cross-cultural learning can help build healthier and more compassionate societies.
