Youth Mental Health Crisis in Italy: 12 Million Affected, economic Impact Looms
Rome, October 1, 2025 – A new report reveals a staggering mental health crisis among young people in Italy, with over 12 million children and adolescents within the European Union grappling with mental disorders. The findings, released by UNICEF, underscore a growing need for urgent and thorough intervention as anxiety and depression rates surge, threatening both individual well-being and national economic stability.
The data indicates that 8% of Italian boys aged 15 to 19 have experienced an anxiety episode,while 4% have navigated a period of depression. This widespread distress isn’t merely a health concern; experts warn of notable repercussions for Italy’s GDP. Untreated mental illness diminishes workforce participation, reduces productivity, and increases healthcare costs, creating a considerable drag on economic growth. Addressing this crisis is therefore paramount, requiring a multi-faceted approach encompassing improved access to care, increased training for professionals, and a shift in societal attitudes.
Senator Ignazio Zullo,president of the ”one Mental Health” intergroup,emphasized the necessity of systemic reform. “A priority is the complete reorganization of the assistance system - a restructuring of services, a revamp of professional training, and crucially, filling the gaps in the number of doctors, nurses, and psychologists we have,” Zullo stated. “We must also invest in cultural enrichment surrounding this issue. Long-term care is essential, integrating health services with social protection initiatives at the municipal level, transforming the entire territory into a support network.”
The report highlights the urgent need for coordinated, structural responses to safeguard the mental health of Italy’s youth and mitigate the escalating economic consequences.
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