A recent study reveals that up to 80 percent of mothers in Serbia experience symptoms of postpartum depression, highlighting an urgent need for awareness and support.
Common Early Symptoms
According to the August 2025 study, “Mothers’ Mental Health in the Postpartum Period”, nearly 78 percent of new mothers experience “baby blues” in the first six months after childbirth. These early symptoms can include:
- Frequent mood swings
- Unexplained sadness
- Anxiety and insecurity
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sleep disturbances, reported by about a third of participants
While “baby blues” are often temporary, experts caution that persistent symptoms may signal more serious postpartum depression.
Exhaustion and Emotional Strain
The research also indicates that many mothers normalize extreme exhaustion and lack of motivation. Around 80 percent reported feeling drained, while nearly half reported frequent feelings of loneliness or shame.
Additionally, nearly 60 percent of mothers experienced episodes of uncontrollable crying, and more than one in four (27.2 percent) admitted to having thoughts of not wanting to exist. Mental health professionals stress that these are critical warning signs that require early intervention and nonjudgmental support.
Expert Insight
Jovana Ružičić, psychologist and director of the Centre for Mothers, emphasized the importance of acknowledging postpartum mental health:
“Untreated anxiety and depression are among the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum. They impact a woman’s recovery, family relationships, and the child’s early development. Yet maternal mental health is rarely discussed systematically, and many women do not know how to seek help.”
The Call for Support
The survey, conducted anonymously online with 1,701 Serbian mothers, underscores the urgent need for institutional support and destigmatization of postpartum depression. Experts encourage families and healthcare providers to recognize early warning signs and ensure that mothers have access to timely mental health care.
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