“Pregnancy was one of the most beautiful periods of my life. I truly enjoyed every moment of it. However, very soon after giving birth, I felt like I couldn’t connect with my baby… not even close to the emotions I had during pregnancy. I constantly felt sadness and guilt. I felt sorry for that little baby because she wasn’t getting the emotions she needed from me. I didn’t want to look at her or hold her in my arms. I isolated myself from everyone and shut myself in the house alone with the baby… It took me a long, long time to overcome this state, and now I regret that I went through it alone and didn’t have the courage to reach out to anyone. The memories of this period might have been completely different.” wrote a mother who wanted to share her experience with us.

Unfortunately, such experiences are not rare. No woman in Bosnia and Herzegovina should have to go through this alone. That is why it is crucial to normalize conversations about mood changes in mothers and seeking help, and to make screening for postpartum depression a standard part of maternal healthcare for pregnant women and new mothers throughout BiH.

It is well known that postpartum depression is the most common health complication among women in the first year after childbirth, and that suicide as a result of mood disorders in this period is the leading cause of maternal mortality. According to both our data and global statistics, around 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression, and about 50% of them are never identified, nor do they seek or receive adequate help.

For this reason, EKO EHO – Center for Education and Promotion of Healthy Living has submitted an initiative to the Federal Ministry of Health to introduce mandatory screening for postpartum depression in healthcare institutions in the Federation of BiH.

“We believe that the Federal Ministry of Health will recognize the importance of this initiative and follow the example of Republika Srpska, where screening is already being implemented,” said Jelena Mihić Salapura, campaign coordinator at EKO EHO. “Every woman in Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves to have her mental health cared for in this most vulnerable period of life, just as much as her physical health.”

The rising prevalence of depression, which according to the World Health Organization is the second most common illness globally, clearly highlights the importance of prevention, early recognition, and treatment of postpartum depression. This disorder affects not only the mother but also the child’s development and health, as well as the functioning of the entire family. Introducing mandatory systematic screening would enable timely support and interventions for women, thereby protecting the health of mothers and children, reducing long-term consequences for families, and easing the burden on the healthcare system through early responses.

“Considering the exceptional importance and simplicity of the screening procedure, we believe we must make a joint effort to ensure that postpartum depression screening becomes mandatory throughout BiH. We remain at the disposal of institutions in the Federation to share experiences and provide support in implementing this process, and we are particularly encouraged by the fact that a representative of the Health Committee of the Federation Parliament has expressed support for the initiative,” stated EKO EHO.

Screening is conducted using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a simple and reliable questionnaire with 10 questions that takes only a few minutes to assess the risk of developing depression or anxiety. The scale is the first step in monitoring women at higher risk, enabling early intervention and preventing more serious consequences, while also reducing long-term healthcare costs.

The campaign “Advocacy for the Introduction of Postpartum Depression Screening in BiH” is being implemented in partnership with the following organizations: Association for Education and Development “Dignitet” Mostar, Association of Families Facing Infertility “Bebe” Trebinje, and the Association of Active Women “Gender” Brčko.