At the recently held Festival di Sanremo 2025, Lunita Kessisoglu and her father, Paolo Kessisoglu, used their platform to raise awareness about the urgent and growing issue of youth mental health. The pair performed a moving song that specifically addressed the struggles faced by today’s youth, including the rising phenomenon of Hikikomori—a form of severe social withdrawal—and the debilitating effects of depression and psychological disorders.
During the performance, Paolo dedicated a heartfelt message to Lunita: “Bambina mia, quanto sei bella. Qui eri piccola ma sei la mia bambina anche adesso che sei grande. Ti devo dire una cosa: guarda fuori dalla finestra… ricorda di farlo sempre,” which translates to, “My little girl, how beautiful you are. You were small here, but you are still my little girl, even now that you are grown. I have to tell you something: look outside the window… always remember to do so.” This message, underpinned by the father-daughter relationship, emphasized the importance of connection and awareness, encapsulating the essence of their song’s message to look beyond personal struggles and see the world around.
Lunita, raised in an environment that balances privacy and support, has become not only a talented pianist and songwriter but also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. Her upbringing by art journalist Sabrina Donadel allowed her the space to thrive both artistically and emotionally. This dual perspective—of having the platform to create music and the empathy to advocate for others—has made her participation at Sanremo even more impactful, shining a spotlight on mental health and the struggles young people face today.
A Tragic Reminder: Ramy Elgaml’s Death and Accountability
While Lunita and Paolo’s performance struck a chord, Italy is also embroiled in a tragic incident that has raised difficult questions about accountability, especially in the realm of mental health. On November 24, Ramy Elgaml, a young man from Milan, tragically lost his life after a police pursuit that escalated into a fatal crash. Ramy was riding as a passenger on a scooter driven by his friend, Fares Bouzidi, when the police attempted to stop them. The ensuing chase, which lasted over eight kilometers, culminated in the scooter crashing into the city’s infrastructure.
Fares Bouzidi has since accused four Carabinieri officers of misconduct, claiming that one officer intentionally rammed their vehicle, causing the crash. Investigations are ongoing, with key forensic reports still awaited to determine whether the officers’ actions contributed to the tragedy. In the wake of the incident, Bouzidi is calling for accountability, shining a light on potential police misconduct while also highlighting the ongoing need for reform in law enforcement practices.
This case brings the broader discussion of mental health into focus, as it is now more urgent than ever for both the public and authorities to reflect on the psychological stress and trauma that may arise from encounters like these, and how proper mental health support and preventative measures could have potentially averted such a catastrophic event.
Sophie Bertocchi: A Story of Resilience and Recovery
In another significant moment during the year, Sophie Bertocchi’s story captured hearts across Italy. A native of Rimini, Sophie courageously took the stage at Tu sì que vales, with the support of her therapy dog, Rose, in her quest to raise awareness about mental health challenges. Sophie’s personal battle with depression began in October 2018, when she experienced acute depressive episodes that left her hospitalized multiple times. She was eventually diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a diagnosis that fundamentally changed her life.
Sophie’s journey to recovery has been supported by her emotional bond with Rose, a therapy dog who has become her lifeline. Sophie shared, “Prima la mia vita era un susseguirsi di ricoveri, letti bianchi e dolore, tanto dolore. Poi è arrivata la diagnosi: disturbo di personalità borderline. Dopo è arrivata lei,” referring to Rose’s presence as the light that helped pull her out of despair.
This touching relationship between Sophie and her therapy dog highlights the importance of emotional support animals, which can play a crucial role in providing comfort and stability to individuals battling mental health issues. Sophie’s advocacy not only raised awareness about the challenges faced by people with mental health conditions but also emphasized the importance of unconditional love and support in the healing process.
The Intersection of Mental Health, Justice, and Accountability
The stories of Lunita Kessisoglu, Ramy Elgaml, and Sophie Bertocchi converge on one powerful message: the need for openness and accountability in addressing mental health issues, especially among young people. These narratives underscore the profound impact of untreated mental health struggles, whether it’s the societal pressures leading to severe isolation, tragic outcomes resulting from systemic failures, or the healing power of compassionate support.
In Italy, these stories have sparked wider conversations on the urgent need for a shift in how mental health is perceived, discussed, and addressed—both in the workplace and in public life. Lunita’s advocacy for mental health awareness, combined with the tragedy of Ramy’s death and Sophie’s courageous recovery story, illustrates the broader societal challenges surrounding mental health, police accountability, and the importance of early intervention and adequate care.
The Role of Society and Stakeholders
As Italy grapples with the complexities of youth mental health, it is essential for all stakeholders—government, employers, and the community at large—to take collective responsibility. Lunita’s song at Sanremo serves as a reminder of the urgent need to support young people emotionally, providing them with the tools they need to cope with modern challenges. Similarly, the legal battle surrounding Ramy’s death highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement, while Sophie’s inspiring journey speaks to the potential for recovery when individuals receive the right support.
Ultimately, these interconnected stories call for greater awareness, better mental health resources, and more profound societal empathy. The tragic consequences of untreated mental health issues demand that we act, creating a more supportive and transparent environment for youth, where discussions around mental health are normalized, and accountability is firmly established.
In this way, the future can be one where young people not only thrive but also feel empowered to seek help when they need it most.
Related Topics:
