(ANS – Rome) – The Salesians for Social social promotion association has conducted a survey of a sample of almost 1,100 young people aged between 14 and 20, through “AstraRicerche”, to assess the state of awareness and physical and mental health of young Italians. The result is a rich and multifaceted portrait of the first wave of Italy’s Gen Z: one in two feels stressed or under pressure, a feeling that is more pronounced among girls and those living in families facing financial difficulties.
Young people’s concerns and fears mainly relate to the cost of living and wars, and these are reflected in their emotional well-being: whilst 60.9% of respondents report good physical health, this figure drops to 42.2% when it comes to mental health.
Looking to the future, the majority of young people expect to have a stable job in 10 years’ time (64.7%), but only 50.2% see adults (family, teachers, educators…) as providing practical help in their choices and in achieving their goals.
These figures, gathered during the awareness-raising and fundraising campaign via charity text messages, ‘Let’s not leave the most vulnerable children in the dark’, highlight the growing need for psychological support among young people, as well as their perception of adults as increasingly less reliable guides for the future.
This is why the role of Salesians for Social and its supporters is fundamental: only through help that begins with education, extends to welcoming care, and culminates in support with studies and entry into the world of work, will the most vulnerable young people have every opportunity to build the future they desire.
“I know how important it is to have psychological support: my personal experience confirms this: thanks to psychoanalysis, I managed to discover within myself a new strength, new resources and goals. I want to give that same strength to the young people in the ‘Salesians for Social Welfare’ group homes,” shared Bruna, a staunch supporter of the Salesians in Italy, in a letter.
‘Investing in psychological support for young people means offering them inner tools, which we would otherwise have to provide from the outside,” the benefactor continues. ‘Many young people have experienced trauma and violence, painful experiences that leave scars difficult to overcome without individual and long-term psychotherapy.’
“’nabling the Salesians to provide child psychology and psychotherapy specialising in addressing developmental-age trauma means laying solid foundations for the growth of young people: developing self-esteem, the ability to cope with emotions, and the capacity to dream and achieve those dreams. More mature and self-aware individuals who, in the future, will contribute positively to society,’ she concludes.
In Salesian houses and projects, psychotherapy forms part of a complex and integrated educational ecosystem: professional educators, spiritual guides, activities such as pet therapy… Every intervention has dignity and value, and together they create an environment in which young people not only receive support but learn to take charge of their own futures.
For further information, visit the website: www.salesianiperilsociale.it
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”