Belen Rodriguez's panic attack sparks discussion of 'success depression' in Italy

Italian showgirl Belen Rodriguez was hospitalized after a panic‑attack episode and later discharged, bringing renewed attention to her ongoing struggles with anxiety and depression. psychiatrist Fabio Monticelli, president of the Italian Society of Cognitive‑Behavioural Therapy, told Adnkronos Salute that mental‑health disorders affect people of all backgrounds, including those perceived as successful. He described a specific form he calls “depression da successo,” where achievement can mask underlying psychological distress and lead to feelings of emptiness despite external accolades.

Monticelli explained that panic‑attack sensations can feel like standing on a high floor without a railing, while depression can stem from both endogenous and psychological origins. He emphasized that therapy, not stigma, is essential for individuals seeking personal freedom from such internal limits.