New and old fears

ANXIETY. The figures show that people are consuming 20% ​​more anxiolytics. They're being taken because, in a seemingly peaceful society, there's anxiety about the crisis and more. Almost all young people are taking refuge in social media: they do it to escape isolation and find inclusion, but some become prisoners of it. Thus, the need for psychologists is growing, so much so that there's even a government bonus (insufficient, but it should be extended). A psychologists' survey reports that 18% of Piedmontese suffer from depression. Society has become more violent and impatient. TV and newspapers are there to prove it.

THE WORLDWIDE EARTHQUAKE. First Covid, then the world at war, have shattered all balances. In states, there's increasing talk of war. In the economy: with energy, everything has increased. In people: the uncertainties, unfortunately, are greater and new.

HEALTH. Of course, significant investment is being made in healthcare: emergency rooms, new hospitals, community centers, waiting lists. But the recovery is long, difficult, and arduous. Thus, the number of people who forgo treatment is increasing, especially among women and the elderly. Nearly six million Italians will not have sought treatment in 2024. On the other hand, when visits to private facilities range from a minimum of 80 euros to a maximum of 120 euros, and upwards, a lot becomes clear. The main causes remain excessively long waiting lists, cited by 6.8% as a key obstacle, followed by economic hardship.

ANGER AND RESENTMENT. They have always been there because of injustices, unequal struggles, and no way out. Now, they have a powerful force that explodes at home, in relationships, in protests. And it shows!

COLLECTIVE AND SOCIAL FEARS. Relationships remain difficult; they are being built, little by little, but it's not easy. SUSPICIONS. They have grown significantly, both toward newcomers and passersby on the street. How often do we spontaneously lend a hand?

SAFETY. The perception of danger is also increasing because the number of "crazy" people walking around with knives and ready hands is significant. "Before," too, there were marches; now they still do, but with a different spirit. And everywhere, neighborhood watch is organized. I'm reminded of an apartment building in Campinas, Brazil, where I slept, surrounded by a low wall "armed" with electricity.

NEW AND OLD FEARS. According to Censis, over 8 out of 100 Italians fear climate change, the economic crisis, rising poverty, migratory flows, and a new world conflict.

WHAT HAS REALLY CHANGED FIVE YEARS AFTER THE PANDEMIC? We are more dissatisfied, more savvy and disillusioned, poorer and more fascinated by autocrats. I don't think we've understood what really matters, as they used to say ("We'll come out of this better," "Nothing will ever be the same again"), but we're different and more fragile, but we'll grow! Of course.

Gian Mario Ricciardi
NP January 2026