Mental health crisis calls surged 60% during Midsummer celebrations

According to emergency dispatch data, approximately 6,000 calls came in to the emergency number during Midsummer on 23-24 June 2026, about a fifth more than usual. Compared to last year, calls related to suicide risk and mental health challenges increased by 60 per cent, while emergency medical responses for traffic accidents doubled. Reports of domestic violence totalled 115 over two days, exceeding the normal daily volume by more than half.

According to the Estonian Emergency Response Centre, Midsummer on 23 and 24 June 2026 brought a significant increase in call volume to the emergency number 112, but more concerning was the sharp rise in mental health crisis calls.

Mental health calls surged

Over the two holiday days, approximately 6,000 calls were received on the emergency line-about a fifth more than on typical days and comparable to last year's Midsummer figures. Emergency medical services were dispatched 1,484 times. Most calls were about abdominal and back pain, chest pain, and injuries.

Particularly striking are the mental health statistics: calls related to suicide risk and mental health problems were 60 per cent higher than in the same period last year. The number of people requiring emergency care due to traffic accidents also doubled compared to Midsummer 2025.

Domestic violence and intoxicated individuals

The emergency centre received 115 reports of domestic violence over two days, exceeding the normal daily volume by half and surpassing the 104 reports from Midsummer 2025. All were forwarded to police, who received a total of 1,481 reports for response.

Reports related to intoxicated individuals forwarded to police on both holiday days exceeded 90, which is a third more than on a typical day.

Serial callers and bonfire risks

Janek Murakas, crisis chief at the Emergency Response Centre, noted that the holiday management proceeded at an expected pace. "We were able to anticipate the increase in call volume well based on experience from previous years. You can never make too confident predictions about serial callers, and this time they were enthusiastic," he said.

Two serial callers made a total of 330 calls over two days, none of which represented genuine need for assistance-they chatted about mundane matters, celebrities, and crocodiles.

Rescue teams were dispatched to 165 incidents, more than 50 of which involved possible fire hazards near buildings or in the landscape. Midsummer traditions also resulted in specific injuries: six people required medical care after unsuccessful attempts to jump over bonfires. Injuries also occurred from falling off playground swings, during sack races, and when people fell from the stage while dancing.