An increasing number of young people in Serbia are recognizing the symptoms of depression and showing a willingness to seek professional help when they need it, it was noted during the “A Cup of Coffee with a Psychologist” panel discussion, held before a full audience at Dorćol Platz on the topic “Young People and Depression.”

Vesna Brzev Ćurčić, specialist in medical psychology and one of the panel participants, emphasized that depressive moods are often linked to adolescence, a period marked by intense physical, emotional, and psychological changes.



“Depression among young people manifests itself through feelings of apathy, sadness, and emotional withdrawal. The most common causes include physical and hormonal changes, changing schools and environments, as well as misunderstanding from friends and family members,” said Brzev Ćurčić. She added that, in the past, there was a strong stigma among young people surrounding psychological counseling, whereas today they are becoming increasingly less hesitant to ask for help.

Anđelija Arbutina, psychology graduate and volunteer at the Psychological Counseling Center for Students at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, said it is encouraging that young people today speak more openly about their emotions and psychological struggles.



Speaking about students’ experiences during the protests, Arbutina noted that many had gone through physical and emotional exhaustion, intensified by a social climate marked by divisions, conflicts and a diminished capacity for dialogue.

“In such circumstances, counseling centers become especially important, as they are often the first step toward seeking help,” Arbutina said.

Vesna Brzev Ćurčić also pointed out that adolescent rebellion is often wrongly interpreted solely as a destructive phenomenon.

“Depressive feelings can sometimes become a driving force for resistance and for the changes necessary for the development of any society. Every revolution throughout history has been led by young people. Rebellion is a natural part of adolescence and carries a strong creative potential within it,” she stated.

Speaking about the role of parents, Brzev Ćurčić emphasized that the most important thing is to give adolescents the space to be heard.

“The first form of support parents can provide is careful listening without judgment, anger or unsolicited advice. It is also important for parents and children to speak together with professionals who can help them better understand and overcome the challenges of growing up,” she said.

The panel discussion “A Cup of Coffee with a Psychologist” is organized by the Hemofarm Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Belgrade and the Dorćol Platz Art Commune.

The project “A Cup of Coffee with a Psychologist” has been implemented since 2019 with the aim of encouraging the public to care for mental health as responsibly as physical health, and to view psychological difficulties not as a personal weakness, but as a health issue for which there is a solution when professional help is sought in time. To date, the project has brought together nearly 90 experts and public figures, while videos from the panel discussions on YouTube have recorded more than one million views.