The year 2025 has brought with it a stark reality: the mental health crisis among young people is escalating at an alarming rate. Self-harm, behavioral disorders, and impulsive agitation are on the rise, as the younger generation grapples with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2013, the psychiatric emergency room at Bambin Gesù Hospital in Italy recorded an average of 250 consultations annually—less than one per day. Fast forward to 2022 and 2023, and that number skyrocketed to over 1,850 consultations per year, averaging five per day.Shockingly, 60% of these cases involve self-harm, a behavior ofen linked to depression, mood disorders, and, in severe cases, suicide.
The Alarm Raised at ‘The City That Takes Care of 2025’ Conference
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The dire situation was highlighted during the conference ‘The City That Takes Care of 2025 – To participate Is Preventing’, led by Rocco Luigi Picci, Director of the Department of mental Health and Pathological Dependencies at ASL3. Data from 2024 revealed that 5,000 genoese residents sought mental health services for the first time, contributing to a total of 13,000 mental health-related visits in a single year.This surge is particularly pronounced among young people, with 242 out of every 10,000 inhabitants in Genoa now utilizing mental health services—a important increase from 189 in 2021.
The growing Crisis: Self-Harm, Emotional Dysregulation, and Impulsive Agitation
The rise in non-suicidal self-harm, self-cutting, emotional dysregulation, and impulsive behaviors is deeply concerning. “These cases require interventions that are sometimes not simple, indeed I would say decidedly not simple,” explains Picci. “They act on individuals who are in full psychological advancement, with all the complexities that come with their growth process.”
Prevention: The Key to Addressing the crisis
The conference emphasized prevention as the most effective strategy to curb this growing crisis. One poignant message stood out: “Let’s take care of the health before health.” Picci stressed the importance of early intervention: “We have to make details, to be able to capture the discomfort, the malaise, as adolescence and even earlier. We must be able to intercept those subclinical forms that are not precisely declared but must recall our attention before they become real psychiatric disorders.”
Key Statistics: A Snapshot of the Crisis
| Year | Mental Health Consultations | Self-Harm cases | Service Utilization (per 10,000) |
|———-|———————————-|———————|————————————-|
| 2013 | 250 | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | N/A | N/A | 189 |
| 2022-2023| 1,850 | 60% | N/A |
| 2024 | 13,000 | N/A | 242 |
The data paints a grim picture, but it also underscores the urgent need for action. As the mental health crisis among young people continues to escalate, the call for prevention and early intervention has never been more critical.
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Tackling the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Prevention and Early Intervention in Focus
In 2025, the mental health crisis among young people has reached alarming levels, with rising cases of self-harm, emotional dysregulation, and impulsive behaviors. At the recent conference ‘The City That Takes Care of 2025’, experts highlighted the urgent need for prevention and early intervention strategies. We sat down with Dr. Elena Rossi, a leading psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health, to discuss the crisis and potential solutions.
The Escalating Crisis: What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
Editor: Dr. rossi, the data from Genoa shows a significant increase in mental health consultations, notably among young people. What does this tell us about the current state of the crisis?
Dr. Rossi: The numbers are indeed staggering. In 2013, Bambin Gesù Hospital recorded just 250 consultations annually. By 2022-2023, that number had risen to over 1,850, with 60% of cases involving self-harm. this reflects a broader trend of emotional distress and psychological struggles among adolescents, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding the Root Causes
Editor: What are the primary factors driving this surge in mental health issues among young people?
Dr. Rossi: There are multiple factors at play. The pandemic, with its isolation and disruption of routines, has left a lasting impact.Additionally, societal pressures, academic stress, and the omnipresence of social media contribute to emotional dysregulation and self-harm behaviors. Young people today are navigating a complex world, frequently enough without adequate support systems.
The Role of Prevention and Early Intervention
Editor: The conference emphasized prevention as a key strategy. Why is early intervention so critical, and how can it be implemented effectively?
Dr. Rossi: Prevention is crucial because it allows us to address issues before they escalate into full-blown psychiatric disorders. Early intervention involves identifying subclinical symptoms—those not yet severe enough to be diagnosed but still concerning. Schools, parents, and healthcare providers must work together to create a supportive environment where young people feel safe to express their struggles. Programs that promote mental health literacy and resilience-building can make a significant difference.
Community and Policy Responses
Editor: what role can communities and policymakers play in addressing this crisis?
Dr. Rossi: Communities must prioritize mental health by destigmatizing it and providing accessible resources. Policymakers need to invest in mental health services, particularly for young people. This includes funding for school-based programs, training for educators, and expanding mental health infrastructure. As Rocco Luigi Picci highlighted, we must “take care of the health before health,” ensuring that mental well-being is a priority at every level.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Editor: As we move forward, what are the most critical steps to take to mitigate this crisis?
Dr. Rossi: The first step is awareness—understanding the scale of the problem and its impact.Next, we need collaborative efforts between families, schools, and healthcare providers to create a safety net for young people. research and data collection must continue to guide our strategies. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we can create a healthier future for the next generation.