One in ten Italians would like to go to the psychologist, but is forced to give it up for economic reasons. This is the verdict of a survey conducted on a sample of the Italian population by the Piepoli Institute, on behalf of the National Council of the Order of Psychologists (Cnop).
The good news is that, for 58% of those interviewed, the pandemic has changed people’s relationship with psychological problems: compared to a year ago, they are more inclined to ask for help (26%) and they talk about hardships with less shame (20%). In fact, almost one in five (17%) has already turned to an expert, with a percentage increasing by 25% in the younger population (18 – 35 years).
But this is still a small consolation: compared to 2022, 26% of the population (men and women equally) feel a decline in their mental well-being, while only 11% have improved.
There are many sources of stress accused: the economic condition, physical health, the high cost of living, or working status, the family-work organization and the war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, more than 8 out of 10 Italians are asking for the introduction of a specialist in all schools in the country. Almost all (89%) agree in considering psychological assistance as a public right, to be made accessible to all, free of charge, through the National Health Service.
The president of the Cnop speaks: «No interventions? A burden for the whole country
«The survey confirms the socio-cultural change with respect to psychological problems. More and more people are asking for the same dignity of physical health, both in prevention and in treatment – comments the president of the Cnop, David Lazzari – But there is also a strong delay in guaranteeing public assistance. The human and economic costs of the lack of interventions are a great burden, which the whole country pays for”.