The weight of uncertainty: anxiety is growing among young Italians.

More and more young people are experiencing a silent epidemic of anxiety, stress, and worry that is severely testing their psychological balance and confidence in the future. According to the latest survey by the UniSalute Health Observatory , nearly a third of people between 18 and 40 live with negative emotions on a daily basis , due to an uncertain future and economic difficulties that weigh heavily on their lives. When asked what three emotional states they have experienced most in the past 12 months, the most common answer—shared by one in three young people (32%)—is anxiety, closely followed by worry (31%). Both were found to be higher than positive emotional states such as hope (29%) and happiness (26%). Thirty-four percent also reported a stressful lifestyle , with higher percentages among women (39%) and in the North (36%).

The effects of these negative emotions are being felt: according to 77% of those interviewed, anxiety and worry negatively impact their health , more than any other factor. And only half (49%) rate their psychological health as "good" or "excellent," with one in five (20%) describing it as "poor" or even "terrible." To try to feel better, nearly one in three respondents (31%) has consulted a psychologist at least once a month in the past year. Many would like to achieve a healthier (54%), more balanced (44%), and even more environmentally conscious (42%) lifestyle, and they think they will dedicate more time to themselves (52%), as well as to relationships and social life (47%).

But it seems to be the future that is causing the greatest concern for Italians under 40: 55% think about it almost every day, and looking ahead to the next five years, the main concerns are the cost of living (53%), the job market (40%), and global conflicts (36%). One in four (24%) is also concerned about the state of public health . Moving the horizon to 20 years, climate change becomes more important (37%), even though the cost of living (44%) remains top of mind. Concerns about daily expenses and work mean that achieving economic stability is the most sought-after goal for young Italians (61%), with physical and psychological well-being cited in second and third place, at 57% and 53% respectively. Only 43% of the sample said they are also aiming to start a family and have children, and just 37% set career success as their goal.