Sanda Rašković Ivić, a prominent politician and psychotherapist, has publicly addressed the profound impact of the loss of her son Jovan, who took his own life in January 2022. Jovan, the youngest of her three children, died by suicide after jumping from the fifth floor of a building in Belgrade.

His death has sparked discussions surrounding mental health and the unseen struggles faced by individuals.

In a recent podcast appearance, Rašković Ivić expressed the immeasurable grief of losing a child, characterizing it as an unparalleled sorrow that defies comparison.

She described feeling a void that cannot be filled.

Jovan’s body was discovered on the morning of January 20, 2022, leading to a profound public and personal discourse on the prevalence of mental health issues, particularly among young individuals.

Described as intelligent and optimistic, Jovan was a recent graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy and had aspirations of moving to Vienna to further his education.

However, his untimely death raised questions about the pressures he faced, including the impact of his father’s illness and death, a recent relationship breakup, and difficulties in securing employment despite his qualifications.

Rašković Ivić revealed that Jovan had a gentle disposition and that the cumulative effects of familial grief and personal setbacks became overwhelming.

In her reflections, she recounted instances where Jovan reassured her of his mental well-being, stating, 'Mama, nisam lud da se ubijem,' translating to 'Mom, I'm not crazy enough to take my own life.' These affirmations, juxtaposed with his unexpected demise, illustrate the complexities often associated with mental health, where individuals may conceal their struggles behind a facade of normalcy and humor.

During an interview, Rašković Ivić shared her reflections on recognizing signs of distress, acknowledging the challenges for parents in perceiving mental health issues in their children.

She noted that Jovan’s bright demeanor masked deeper emotional turmoil, and despite his expressed future plans—which included a trip to Dečani and further studies in German—he experienced private difficulties that went unnoticed.

Through her experiences and subsequent writing, including a book titled 'Život ide dalje – Kako pronaći smisao i kada ga nema,' Rašković Ivić aims to shed light on the journey through grief and the search for meaning amidst loss.

Her personal narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for open discussions regarding mental health, the importance of recognizing signs of distress, and the imperative to support those in need.