Italy confronts rising youth mental‑health crisis amid pandemic fallout

Psychiatrist Stefania Calapai has warned that mental‑health problems in Italy have escalated from a health issue to a social emergency, especially among adolescents and young adults. She notes sharp increases in anxiety, depression, panic attacks and self‑harm, linking the surge to the collective trauma of the COVID‑19 pandemic, prolonged isolation, economic precarity and excessive digital media use.

A survey in Milan by Nomisma for UniSalute’s Health Observatory found that only 55 % of residents rate their psychological state as good or excellent. Although stress is identified as the main factor affecting wellbeing, just 23 % have consulted a psychologist in the past year. Cost barriers and perceived lack of need deter many, while 70 % would consider remote therapy as a way to improve access.

Both reports call for stronger coordination among institutions, schools, families and the third sector, and for expanded, affordable mental‑health services to address this growing public‑health challenge.