(photo by Francesco Ammendola – Press and Communication Office of the Presidency of the Republic)
“Listening to those who have lived directly through the experience of mental suffering is an essential part of policies and care processes that respect the dignity of each citizen – he continues –. Mental distress affects all ages and is increasingly manifesting at earlier stages, especially among children and adolescents. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness reflect a malaise that the recent pandemic has made more visible, but which also has roots in the precariousness and fragility of relationships.”
“The establishment in Italy of a community-based mental health model marks a significant civilizational shift that emphasizes dignity, rights, and the freedom of the individual – the President emphasizes –. Making the right to mental health a reality, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity for support, care, and listening, regardless of where they live and their circumstances, is an essential issue. Mental health cannot be reduced solely to a health dimension. It encompasses the quality of the environments we live, study, work, and grow in, and requires attention to address distress before it escalates, connecting families, schools, health services, social services, and communities. Therefore, investing in mental health means preventing, treating, and supporting, while also assisting families and those who stand by individuals experiencing vulnerability. It means, above all, acknowledging the value and dignity of every person,” concludes Mattarella.
– Photo from the Quirinal Press Office –
