The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has issued the following statement:
«World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to think about the needs of the most fragile people and the mental vulnerability linked to social isolation and exclusion.
Over this year the events of the pandemic have increased the suffering of people affected by psychic pathology, often forced to live away from their families for therapeutic reasons, and who have found themselves in some cases facing the effects of the lockdown alone.
In addition to this, the pandemic has produced, among its tragic consequences, an increase in conditions of psychological distress, worsening situations of psychological and social emergency. Because of the difficulties faced by health services, countries are finding innovative ways to provide care and initiatives to strengthen psychosocial support.
A fundamental role in supporting people with mental illness is still played by families, who are often burdened with difficult management from an economic and relational point of view. The role of the Institutions therefore becomes important, so that no one is left alone and everyone is allowed to have access to the most appropriate assistance throughout the national territory. Special attention must be given to schools and other educational and relational spheres, which must be encouraged and supported to create networks and means of integration among people.
Mental health is a right that must be guaranteed to everyone, protecting and supporting those who cannot represent themselves. Italy has long been at the forefront in its approach to this subject and is a point of reference on an international level. This is why it is important to keep on supporting investments in mental health programs. Failure to do so would constitute a cultural and civil retreat that, at this very moment, our country cannot afford.
The commitment of the institutions and civil society must be to protect the dignity of each individual, supporting him or her also and above all in fragile conditions. We must all support those who fight against mental suffering, so that a life of inclusion and overcoming prejudice and discrimination is guaranteed for everyone».
