“Psychological distress is a phenomenon that affects a growing number of people, influencing not only the quality of life of those who suffer from it, but also that of those around them. The growing incidence of anxiety, depression and mental stress-related disorders is now a global problem, with a 25% increase in cases of psychological disorders following the pandemic, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The mental health of young people is particularly at risk, and it is precisely in this context that the urgency of a structured intervention by the institutions emerges, an intervention that places mental health at the center as an integral part of general well-being”. This is what he says the regional councilor of the Democratic Party, Amalia Bruni, regarding the proposed law n. 51 on the institution of the “basic psychologist”, whose discussion in the Third Commission is ongoing.
“The legislative proposal, which intends to introduce the figure of the ‘basic psychologist’ into the primary care system, responds to this growing need, creating a support network that will have direct effects on the daily lives of citizens – explains councilor Bruni – The the intent is to promote access to early psychological treatments, which can prevent the worsening of more serious psychological problems and improve the overall well-being of citizens”.
“But the introduction of the primary care psychologist is part of a broader vision of integrating mental health into general health policies. Health, in fact, is not a one-dimensional concept, but also includes psychological well-being, as enshrined in the most recent decrees and health plans. The benefits of such an initiative are not only of a social and psychological nature, but also economic – claims the councilor. – Studies have shown that the integration of the primary care psychologist with the general practitioner can reduce the use of unnecessary drugs, unnecessary medical visits and, above all, unnecessary hospitalizations. In short, the presence of the psychologist contributes to reducing the duration and frequency of hospitalizations and limiting improper access to the emergency room, with a positive impact on the doctors’ workload and waiting times for visits”.
“A consideration so well founded that the news of the signing of a contract arrived yesterday memorandum of understanding aimed at combating social hardship and promoting psychological well-being at a local level, signed between Anci Calabria and the Order of Psychologists of Calabria. The institutions’ concrete commitment to supporting families, minors and citizens in difficulty must be sanctioned by a law that has as its objective the fight against situations of social marginalization, prejudice and emergency, through the creation of psychological support services. The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of social relationships in the various contexts of daily life: from homes to schools, to other places of social interest. We will therefore ask to listen to Anci and the Order of Psychologists in the Third Commission, because institutional collaboration has as its priority the protection of the rights of the community, and the introduction of the figure of the basic psychologist is not only a health necessity, but an opportunity to create a territorial support network close to citizens. An intervention that is part of a national regulatory context which, thanks to law no. 833 of 1978, establishes the right to health as a fundamental right, also including psychological well-being as an integral part of health”.
“The proposed law on basic psychology has already demonstrated its effectiveness in some Italian regions, where the implementation of these services has begun. The first data indicate a significant improvement in psychological symptoms among patients who have access to this type of support, with a reduction in anxiety and depressive disorders and a general increase in well-being. This legislative proposal is a measure of civilization that the Calabrians deserve”, concludes Amalia Bruni.