Mental health in Serbia

Mental health is one of the most important factors that affect the general quality of life of people. Problems with mental health can manifest in many ways. When speaking about mental health it is important to understand that it doesn’t only concern mental disorders but the general mental state as well, be it good or bad. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined mental health as: “a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”. This type of definition emphasizes the importance of not looking at it as just an absence of disorder, and that mental health is largely dependent on the possibilities of the person realizing their potential.

This type of definition has significant importance when it comes to psychotherapeutic practice, and the lessening of the stigmatization surrounding mental health in society, which is very important. Stigma and taboo in society by which many view mental health problems as weakness or “craziness” are still very present. Still, it remains that these factors of mental health, which concern potential and living a fulfilled life, are far more difficult to measure than clear symptoms and diagnosis.

In a study conducted by GIZ in 2022, the results have shown that in a Serbian sample population, approximately one-third can be considered psychologically vulnerable. 15% of the population shows symptoms of depression, 7,2% shows symptoms of anxiety and 1,6% has a high risk of suicide. Also, 2,9% of the population has reported being hospitalized due to difficulties with mental health at least once in their lives and 8,1% reported that they have received a mental disorder diagnosis in their lifetime. The results also stated that at least every third person had experiences close to a person who had mental health problems.

 A significant stigma has also been demonstrated, regarding the problems of mental health in Serbia, as well as a high percentage of people who do not seek help even though they are suffering from significant mental health problems. This decision to not seek help is significantly influenced by the financial status of the person as well as the self-stigma that the person possesses towards these issues, these people understand seeking professional help as an act of personal failure.

The systemic removal of stigma and the improvement of education regarding issues of mental health is key. On the other hand, in the absence of adequate infrastructure, it often falls onto the individuals to self-educate and inform themselves, as well as positively affect both themselves and others.

Problems regarding mental health can be caused by numerous factors and their interactions, most often this is a combination of genetic predispositions and surrounding factors. The abuse of psychoactive substances can often worsen the risk factors that lead to these disorders but can also appear afterward, as an unhealthy and self-destructive way for the person to deal with their problems. Many mental disorders often appear together, or combined, not attending to these problems and trying to deal with them alone can most often only lead to worse outcomes. Mental health problems and disorders can have numerous negative effects on one’s life and the lives of those surrounding them, from problems at work, school, or interpersonal relationships, to substance abuse, self-harm, and even suicide.

If you, or someone close to you, are faced with problems regarding mental health, it is good to keep in mind that seeking help or conversation from a close person is far better than not seeking help at all. A close person can provide support and help with the problems or potential involvement of professionals.

Written by: Bachelor of Psychology, Aleksa Holcer

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site:https://unsplash.com/photos/a-man-holds-his-head-while-sitting-on-a-sofa-BuNWp1bL0nc

Tadic, M., Terzic-Supic, Z., Todorovic, J., Kilibarda, B., Santric-Milicevic, M., Dusanovic-Pjevic, M., & Milicevic, S. (2023). Psychological distress in the Republic of Serbia, the association of social characteristics and Substance use on a national Representative sample of Serbia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(7), 5321. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075321

Reed, G. M. (2024). What’s in a name? Mental disorders, mental health conditions and psychosocial disability. World Psychiatry, 23(2), 209–210. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21190