Paolo Cognetti, the acclaimed author and director known for the prize-winning novel Le otto montagne, recently shared his experience with severe depression after being hospitalized for treatment earlier this month. Cognetti’s candid account shines light on the often-stigmatized topic of mental health, emphasizing the necessity for society to confront and discuss these issues openly.
On December 4, the situation escalated when Cognetti was taken to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Milan for
mandatory medical treatment known as Trattamento Sanitario Obbligatorio (TSO). His depression had progressed to include manic episodes, prompting alarming behavior. "Nelle scorse settimane, sceso dal mio rifugio sul Monte Rosa, ero in una fase bella e creativa" (Translation: "Recently, after coming down from my refuge on Monte Rosa, I was in a beautiful and creative phase"), Cognetti explained, reflecting on his fluctuative emotional state.
This spiral began during the spring and summer months when he was unexpectedly "morso dalla depressione" (bitten by depression). Despite earlier creative phases, he became increasingly aware of his deteriorated mental state. Friends expressed concern as Cognetti began to exhibit worrying behaviors — sending nude photographs to them and giving away large sums of money. "Nelle fasi maniacali si può perdere il senso del pudore, o quello del denaro" (Translation: "During manic phases, you can lose your sense of modesty or money"), he recounted, highlighting how significant changes can lead to interventions.
The intervention was jarring, depicted much like a scene from dramatic fiction: "Mi sono ritrovato sotto casa un’auto della polizia e un’ambulanza. Sono stato sedato: da inizio dicembre, causa farmaci, non ho fatto che dormire" (Translation: "I found myself outside my house with a police car and ambulance. I was sedated: since early December, due to medication, I have only been sleeping"), he recounted. This moment vividly exemplifies the struggles faced by many who deal with recurrent mental health crises.
Upon his release, Cognetti decided to share his story with the aim of encouraging others to accept their mental health struggles without shame. He stated, "Per me è tempo di alzare il velo della colpa che nasconde il dolore" (Translation: "It's time for me to lift the veil of guilt hiding the pain"), emphasizing the need for transparency around mental illness. His intent is to normalize the dialogue surrounding such conditions, advocating for acceptance rather than stigma.
The award-winning author’s experience was deeply intertwined with the pressures of his rising fame. Following the immense success of Le otto montagne, which earned him the coveted Strega Prize, he pondered his future: "E adesso cosa faccio?" (Translation: "And now what do I do?"). The uncertainty and pressure to sustain success weighed heavily on him, fueling his mental health struggles.
Cognetti’s narrative doesn’t shy away from the realities of psychiatric treatment either. Reflecting on his time within the hospital, he remarked, "Ti svegliano alle 6 di mattina e ti obbligano a bere subito due bicchieroni di tranquillanti. Sei vivo, ma è come se fossi morto" (Translation: "They wake you up at 6 AM and force you to drink two big glasses of tranquilizers right away. You are alive, but it's like you're dead"), illustrating the harshness and stark realities of psychiatric care which many patients endure.
To move forward, the 46-year-old seeks not only to heal but to reestablish meaningful connections. "Vorrei avere cinque o sei amici sinceri, per contare su una mia famiglia vera" (Translation: "I would like to have five or six sincere friends, to count on my true family"), expressed Cognetti, indicating the importance of supportive relationships during recovery. He expressed the desire for freedom, seeking time to enjoy life and explore the world away from the suffocatingscope of expectations and fame.
Being transparent about mental health is fundamental to reducing stigma and facilitating recovery. Cognetti’s experiences reveal the importance of seeking help and the strength it takes to share one’s vulnerabilities. His story may inspire others who find themselves battling similar demons to pursue their own healing paths and recognize the value of community support and professional treatment.
