The first nine months of 2025 have revealed a deeply concerning picture of mental health in Kosovo, bringing renewed attention to the absence of effective institutional policies and prevention mechanisms for suicide. While suicide remains a sensitive and complex issue, recent data suggests that Kosovo is facing a silent public health emergency that can no longer be ignored.
According to Kosovo Police, 13 people died by suicide during 2025, following 19 cases in 2024 and a staggering 42 cases in 2023. Although the numbers fluctuate, mental health professionals warn that statistics alone do not capture the full extent of the crisis, as many individuals struggle in silence without seeking professional help.
Alarming Data: Suicide Attempts and Calls for Help on the Rise
The suicide prevention center “Linja e Jetës” (Life Line) reported around 800 calls from individuals with suicidal thoughts during the first nine months of the past year. In addition, the organization handled 3,000 to 4,000 chat conversations via digital platforms and recorded 160 missed emergency calls, mainly due to a lack of staff and financial resources.
These figures highlight a troubling reality: many people actively seek help, but the system is not fully equipped to respond.
Bind Skeja, Director of “Linja e Jetës,” stated that the organization has been forced to reduce its service hours from 14:00–02:00 to 18:00–22:00, precisely because this time window receives the highest volume of calls. The reduction was unavoidable due to financial constraints and limited staffing, despite the urgent demand for support.
Daily Mental Health Treatment at QKUK: Professionals Under Pressure
At the Psychiatry Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), patients with mental health disorders—including individuals experiencing suicidal ideation—are treated on a daily basis, both on an outpatient and inpatient level.
Dr. Faton Kutllovci, Director of the Psychiatry Clinic, emphasized that each case requires careful professional assessment and individualized treatment planning. He warned that irresponsible media reporting, especially when it includes graphic details, images, or descriptions of suicide methods, can have a dangerous “copycat effect” on emotionally vulnerable individuals.
According to Kutllovci, ethical reporting is essential to protect public mental health, particularly in a society where stigma around psychiatric care remains widespread.
Stigma, Misinformation, and Treatment Interruption
Beyond media influence, Dr. Kutllovci highlighted two additional harmful factors:
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Social stigma – The belief that visiting a psychiatrist means being “severely mentally ill” discourages many from seeking timely help.
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Misinformation about medication – Some pharmacists wrongly discourage patients by labeling psychiatric therapy as “too heavy,” leading individuals with suicidal thoughts to stop treatment prematurely.
These factors significantly undermine recovery efforts and increase risk during critical moments.
Legal Gaps: Kosovo Still Lacks a Suicide Prevention Strategy
Despite the growing crisis, Kosovo still does not have a dedicated law or national strategy for suicide prevention. The current Mental Health Law fails to explicitly address suicide, a gap acknowledged by the Parliamentary Health Committee.
Dr. Kutllovci confirmed that a new draft Mental Health Law has been completed by the Ministry of Health and is currently undergoing public consultation, raising cautious hope for structural reform.
Psychological Perspective: Depression and Loss of Meaning
Psychologist Kristian Halilaj explained that long-term depression, loss of motivation, and destructive thought patterns are key drivers behind suicidal crises. He stressed that individuals in such states often perceive suicide as a way to escape emotional pain and inner emptiness.
Halilaj underlined that professional psychological treatment is essential, as family support alone is often insufficient to rebuild self-worth and emotional resilience in severe depressive states.
The Way Forward: Prevention, Awareness, and Institutional Responsibility
The mental health situation in Kosovo calls for urgent, coordinated action:
- A national suicide prevention strategy
- Sustainable funding for crisis support services
- Responsible media reporting guidelines
- Public campaigns to reduce stigma
- Expanded access to professional psychological care
Mental health is not only a medical issue—it is a social, institutional, and moral responsibility.
Without decisive action, Kosovo risks losing more lives to a crisis that is preventable with the right policies, awareness, and care systems in place.