LocationsJapan and Serbia: Rethinking Mental Health Together
June 16, 2026
“I started working at UNDP Serbia in October 2025 as a UN Volunteer and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Specialist. Having previously worked in the fields of women’s health and rights and youth engagement in other countries, including Africa and Middle East, I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to gender and youth-focused programs in Serbia. My work spans issues such as firearm misuse in domestic violence and suicide prevention, as well as youth peacebuilding initiatives focused on social cohesion across the region.
Although Japan, my home country, and Serbia may seem geographically and historically distant, my experience has revealed surprising similarities in the social challenges both countries face - particularly around mental health leading to high rate of suicide among men, stigma and lack of social resilience. These shared challenges also create important opportunities for mutual learning, where each country’s experiences may offer valuable lessons for the other.“
Mental health in Japan
In Japan, from the late 1990s through the 2000s - when annual suicides exceeded 30,000 - suicide began to be reclassified from an individual issue into a social problem.
In Japan, issues are primarily driven by social and cultural pressures. Karoshi (deaths and suicides from overwork), hikikomori (people who lock themselves in at home to shut out social contacts), and long-term absentees at schools are the most frequently cited mental and social problems. Across most age groups, the number of male suicides has consistently and significantly exceeded that of females. By 2024, the numbers had decreased in most age groups, however, the “10-19 years” group risen for five consecutive years in the most recent period. 1
Mental health in Serbia
Through my work in Serbia, I learnt that Serbia is facing similar issues. Young people engaged in our regional initiatives identify mental wellbeing as one of the defining concerns of their generation. Across Serbia and the wider Balkans, many point to rising anxiety, hopelessness, social pressures and limited access to support, while stigma continues to discourage open discussion and help-seeking. These concerns are reflected in broader national trends: according to Eurochild 2, 10.8% of students in Serbia report persistent low mood, while 21.9% experience feelings of nervousness at least once a week. At the same time, mental health challenges are not limited to youth. Older population, particularly men, face elevated risks linked to trauma, social isolation, economic pressures and persistently high suicide rates. These patterns underscore that mental health is not only an individual concern, but a growing social resilience and public health challenge.
Initiatives in Japan
Based on lessons learned from past experiences, Japan has recognized the importance of providing support tailored to various life stages.
Let me introduce some of Japan's effective experiences that could be practically applied to Serbian context.
1. Training Mental Health Supporters
Japan is promoting the "Mental Health Supporter" training initiative (commonly known as NIPPON COCORO ACTION 3) at a national level. This program trains individuals to have accurate knowledge and understanding of mental health and mental illness. These "supporters" provide listening-based assistance to those facing mental health challenges and their families within their communities or workplaces. The goal is to facilitate prevention, early intervention, and the reduction of stigma. The course is open to everyone, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has set a goal to train one million supporters over the ten-year period starting in 2024. In Serbia, where there is a shortage of specialists, having people close to the affected individuals serve as "Mental Health Supporters" could be a vital link to early response.
2. Digital Initiatives
Digital technology is increasingly being utilized in Japan to reach the youth. In schools, to prevent bullying and detect mental health issues early, every student is provided with a tablet device. This creates a system where students can report their mental state or seek advice on school life and bullying. Furthermore, both the government and private organizations have significantly strengthened chat-based consultation services, providing a casual environment where people can seek help anytime. In the workplace, a "Stress Check" system is mandatory, requiring employees to undergo an assessment once a year. Additionally, the Ministry has made a "5-minute Workplace Stress Self-Check" available online, allowing individuals to monitor their own mental health at any time . Given the high smartphone penetration in Serbia, especially among the youth, the ability to check one's mental state and casually consult a third party via chat or call could be highly effective.
Despite these comprehensive efforts, Japan still faces challenges, and many people struggle with a sense of alienation and loneliness. In recent years, to address social isolation and loneliness, the Cabinet Office established the Office for Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures. This office has been promoting the creation of ibasho (places where people feel they belong) through public-private partnerships.
Lessons from Serbia
Meanwhile, in Serbia, I feel that the way people spend their time and connect with their families, workplaces, and society fosters a profound sense of positive mental space and peace of mind. I strongly believe that this relaxed pace of life and depth of human connection - which are simply considered normal in Serbia - are valuable lessons that Japan can learn from Serbia.
Conclusion
Ultimately, building stronger mental health systems requires more than institutional reform alone. It requires combining effective policies with stronger communities, earlier support and more open conversations.
As mental health becomes an increasingly important factor in social resilience, violence prevention and peacebuilding, learning from one another across cultures may help us build healthier, more compassionate societies.
References:
[1] 001581167.pdf: 2025 White Paper on Suicide Prevention (Japan)
[2] Sub-report-Mental-Health-2024.pdf: Children’s Mental Health across Europe
[3] 心のサポーター養成事業 | 公共精神健康医療研究部 国立研究開発法人 国立精神・神経医療研究センター 精神保健研究所: Nippon Cocoro Action: National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (Japan)
[4] 5分でできる職場のストレスセルフチェック｜こころの耳：働く人のメンタルヘルス・ポータルサイト: Self stress check, Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (Japan)
