According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global weight of mental disorders continues to grow human and economic aspects in all countries of the world.
Mental disorders, which include psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder), mood disorders (such as bipolar I disorder and major depression), anxiety disorders, anorexia and bulimia nerve, substance abuse and alcohol disorders, are an important public health problem. In fact, they occur in all age groups, are associated with difficulties in daily activities, in work, in interpersonal and family relationships, and are at the origin of high social and economic costs for those affected and for their families.
The growing awareness of the increase in suffering and the burden of disease that surrounds mental disorders has made it necessary to prevent and treat these diseases. The WHO emphasizes, in fact, that prevention and promotion of mental health are based on awareness and understanding of the warning signs and symptoms of mental disorder.
In particular, considering that according to WHO data in the world 10-20% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders and that half of all mental illnesses start at the age of 14 and three quarters begin within the age of 25, it becomes It is essential that children from an early age be facilitated and supported in building life skills ( life skills ) that can help them cope with everyday challenges.
If not properly addressed these conditions can heavily influence the development of young people and the possibility of living satisfying and productive lives as adults. In this sense, the school, the family, the local community and the health system have a fundamental role. The school intended as a place not only to learn content but also as a context where it is possible to develop life skills that allow the person to consciously choose, to face problems, to confront their emotions and to know how to manage them, to listen and to relate to the others, to orient themselves and produce a change in their own living environment.
