A project under implementation is currently focusing on a very much delicate topic, a tailor-made psychological support for the marginalized groups in the Western Balkans Region. Part of the Empowering Regional Cooperation Grant Scheme, this project is being implemented by the Center for Psycological Support ”Sensus” in Mostar, an organisation established in 2012, but that only thanks to our grant has grown from the national to the regional dimension. The main objectives of the project is to provide support and ensure a safer environment for everyone and to tailor the mental health care according to the needs of each party. From the start, over 3.000 persons have benefited from this initiative and ”Sensus“ will unveil the main findings of this report on 5 of April. On the eve of this important milestone, we had the opportunity to speak with Mersiha Čomor, who is part of Sensus since 2023, as project coordinator for “Regional talks about mental health“ project.
Western Balkans Fund | Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. To start, we’d like to ask about your project. It is quite ambitious, aiming to promote mental health care within marginalized communities. That must be a significant challenge, especially considering that different Contracting Parties in our region have different marginalized communities. Can you tell us how the project is going, what challenges you’ve faced, and what common things and differences you’ve observed across countries?
Mersiha Čomor (Sensus) | To begin, we developed a research methodology aimed at identifying risk factors that affect the mental health of marginalized groups. These factors include economic status, identity, ethnicity, nationality, political and economic situations, among others. Our research covered five Western Balkan Contracting Parties: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo*.
The research was completely anonymous, allowing participants to answer openly about their experiences with discrimination, how it affected their mental health, whether they sought psychological support, and whether such support was accessible to them. If it wasn’t, we investigated the reasons, whether financial, geographical, or cultural. The data collected was analyzed to identify key risk factors and will be presented in a manual at our main conference on April 5. Our partner organizations, all of which work with marginalized groups, have played an active role in this project.
Marginalized groups are not a monolith; there are layers of marginalization.
Western Balkans Fund | Within marginalized groups, there are distinct subgroups; such as LGBTQ+ individuals, Roma communities, people with disabilities, and families with low incomes; each with unique needs. Did your findings indicate that different marginalized groups have varying mental health challenges, or do they all face similar struggles?
Mersiha Čomor: Marginalized groups are not a monolith; there are layers of marginalization. For example, a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ but also lives in a rural area with low financial resources faces multiple layers of discrimination, making them more vulnerable.
Our research highlights that those who experience multiple forms of marginalization are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues. The data will be detailed in our final report, which we will share with all stakeholders.
Western Balkans Fund | Beyond the research findings, what can be done to improve mental health care strategies in our countries? How can they be tailored to the specific needs of these communities?
Mersiha Čomor | You mentioned mental health strategies, and while many of them exist on paper, implementation is often lacking. One crucial step is improving the education and awareness of mental health professionals. Mental health workers need to understand and be sensitized to the unique struggles of marginalized groups, as they often experience multiple layers of discrimination.
Additionally, there is a constant lack of human resources in public mental health institutions. For example, in Sarajevo, which has the largest population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Center for Mental Health has only two psychologists serving an enormous number of patients. Many people seeking help must wait months for an appointment. This clearly indicates a need for more trained professionals and better distribution of responsibilities within mental health institutions.
Western Balkans Fund | Except governments, to you believe that communities themselves can do more to support mental health initiatives? How can everyday people contribute?
Community education is vital. We need to normalize conversations about mental health and eliminate stigma. This is not just an issue for marginalized groups but for society as a whole.
Mersiha Čomor: Community education is vital. We need to normalize conversations about mental health and eliminate stigma. This is not just an issue for marginalized groups but for society as a whole. Family and friends play a crucial role. Our research explored whether individuals seek support from loved ones, and many do. However, some, such as LGBTQ+ individuals who may not be open about their identity, struggle to find support within their families. In such cases, peer support groups and trusted friendships become essential.
Western Balkans Fund | We recall a past project funded by the Fund, that involved a mental health hotline for people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. One of the key takeaways was that many people don’t recognize when they need help. Does your project also aim to raise awareness in this regard?
Mersiha Čomor | Yes, raising awareness is one of our main goals. We created interactive information points with short quizzes designed to encourage self-reflection on mental well-being. These points provide simple advice based on responses, urging individuals to seek professional help if needed. Interestingly, many people responded to these info points with curiosity and humor, saying things like, “Can you read my mind?” or “You should give this to politicians!” It was great to see engagement and spark conversations about mental health in a non-intimidating way.
Western Balkans Fund | From your experience working with multiple countries, do you think we all face similar mental health challenges, or are there country-specific differences?
Mersiha Čomor | While we share a common cultural and historical background in the Western Balkans, the nature of marginalization varies. For example, the Roma community faces challenges everywhere, but in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they have almost no political representation, whereas in Montenegro, they are part of the Parliament. These differences affect how mental health issues manifest and how they should be addressed.
Western Balkans Fund | How was it working with eight different partner organizations?
Mersiha Čomor | Rewarding but also stressful! Communication was key, and although it was sometimes overwhelming, we had great partners who were highly responsive and committed. This collaboration allowed us to exchange resources and create a stronger regional initiative. The experience was so positive that we are already discussing future joint projects.
Western Balkans Fund | How important is it to have regional funding initiatives like the Western Balkans Fund to support projects like yours?
Mersiha Čomor | This funding was crucial. It allowed us to scale up our work beyond our local community and gain recognition across the region. Thanks to this support, our info spots and mental health initiatives have reached a wider audience, and we have built long-term partnerships with organizations in neighboring countries.
Western Balkans Fund | What are your next steps? What do you envision for the sustainability of this project and your organization’s future?
Mersiha Čomor | We plan to use our research findings strategically to guide future initiatives. We also want to expand our info spot project, as it has proven highly impactful. However, this will require additional funding. Long-term, we aim to continue raising awareness, educating professionals, and strengthening regional cooperation. The partnerships we formed during this project have already led to new joint applications for funding, so we see a strong future in regional collaboration.
Western Balkans Fund | Finally, on a personal note, was there any memorable moment during this project?
Mersiha Čomor | Yes! When we were setting up the info spots at the University of Mostar, a student recognized me from previous workshops. He excitedly asked, “What are you preparing for us this time?” When I explained, he was thrilled, saying, “Every time I enter or leave the faculty, I’ll check this and remember that my mental health comes first!” It was a small but meaningful moment that reinforced why we do this work.
Western Balkans Fund | Thank you for this insightful discussion, Mersiha. We look forward to seeing your continued impact!
Mersiha Čomor | Thank you, Klevis. I appreciate the opportunity to share our work!
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
