How to get psychological support due to the earthquakes or coronavirus

Counseling after Petrinja Sisak earthquake in Croatia
Image by umary.edu

The traumatic experiences associated with the earthquakes in Zagreb and Sisak-Moslavina counties as well as the changes in our lives brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have further heightened the stress and problems we struggle with in our daily life. The feelings that we are having in these moments, from fear to anxiety and depression, are perfectly normal but it doesn’t mean we have to deal with them alone.

Below is a list of toll free numbers that you can call and talk about what is bothering you. Psychologists and professionals on the other side of the line are there to listen and help you get through difficult moments.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112.

If you are considering suicide, please call the Center for Crisis Situations and Suicide Prevention KBZ Rebro at +385 (0)1 237 6470. They are available 24 hours a day for adults.

If you are having a rough time and need to talk to someone, we’ve compiled an extensive list of the resources available to those living in Croatia along with contact information below.

These resources include:

It’s an unimaginably stressful time for all of us. You are not alone.


Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health

Hours: Monday to Friday from  8:00-22:00

Contact:

Website (in English)


Association of Psychologists of Sisak-Moslavina County

The Association of Psychologists of the Sisak-Moslavina County has organized psychological assistance for the victims of the catastrophic earthquake in the areas of Petrinja and Sisak.

For victims who feel the need to talk to someone, psychologists are at your disposal at the below numbers.

Contact:

If you want to contact anonymously, you can do so by emailing psihologijasmz@gmail.com

Many other experts are also available in this Facebook group and on their Facebook page.


Croatian Chamber of Psychology and Croatian Psychological Association

+385 (0)91 947 8762 is available 24 hours a day

Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00-18:00

Bjelovar-Bilogora County

Brod-Posavina County

Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Istria County

Karlovac County

Koprivnica-Križevci County

Krapina-Zagorje County

Lika-Senj County

Međimurje County

Osijek-Baranja County

Požega-Slavonia County

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County

Šibenik-Knin County

Sisak-Moslavina County

Split-Dalmatia County

Varaždin County

Virovitica-Podravina County

Vukovar-Srijem County

Zadar County

Zagreb County

Website  |  Website 2


Croatian Institute for Public Health

Hours: Daily from 8:00-20:00

Contact:

Website


Croatian Red Cross

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Contact:

Find contact information for associations of each county here.

Website


Hrabri telefon

Hrabri telefon offers counseling for parents and children.

Hours: Daily from 9:00-15:00

Email: info@hrabritelefon.hr

Live chat: Available on their website, from 15:00-19:00

Website


Helpful articles from the Zagreb Child and Youth Protection Center

“How to confront stressful event and survive coronavirus, earthquake and isolation” – View article here

“Earthquake – And This Will Pass: Zagreb Child and Youth Protection Center advises how to help ourselves after trauma” – View article here


Additional Croatia earthquake resources

If you wish to help those affected by the devastating Petrinja-Sisak earthquake, you can find a list of how to donate, volunteer or provide accommodation here. Even if you don’t live in Croatia, you can still help.

Many were caught off guard by this latest earthquake. If you live in Croatia and are unsure of how to prepare or handle an earthquake or other natural disaster, check out our guide here.


Additional COVID19 resources

If you are living in Croatia, it is important to know how coronavirus is being handled, which resources are available and what you should do if you suspect you or someone else has coronavirus. Find our guide for both tourist and residents here.

To best protect yourself, you should have face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves on hand. In this guide, we have a list of of online and retail shops where you can purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) in Croatia.


SOURCES:

COVID 19_POTRES_Telefonski brojevi za pružanje psihološke pomoći by Grad Zagreb
Kontakti u kriznim situacijama by psiholoskapomoc.hr
Besplatan telefonski broj za sve kojima je potrebna podrška by Hrvatski Crveni Križ
Besplatni brojevi telefona za psihološku pomoć vezano uz potres i koronavirus by HZJZ
psiholoska-komora.hr

Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.

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