Paolo Cognetti, the acclaimed author known for his bestselling novel Le otto montagne, recently opened up about his struggles with mental health following his hospitalization at the Fatebenefratelli hospital in Milan. Cognetti, who has been very candid about the experience, is using his platform to shed light on the importance of mental health awareness and destigmatizing the conversation surrounding it.
His battle with depression was severe enough to warrant treatment with trattamento sanitario obbligatorio (TSO), or involuntary health treatment. 'I was depressed; thoughts of suicide were frequent...,' Cognetti disclosed during interviews with various news outlets, including Corriere della Sera and Repubblica. The author shared how these thoughts plagued him during dark periods, recalling how he would be paralyzed by sadness to the point where even the affection for his beloved dog, Lucky, faded away.
Cognetti explained the circumstances leading to his hospitalization, detailing manic episodes where he lost all sense of modesty and financial prudence. "After the success of Le otto montagne, I asked myself, 'What do I do now?'" he reflected. The pressure following his literary acclaim sent him spiraling, leading to behaviors such as sharing inappropriate photos and extravagantly spending money, which raised concerns among friends and family.
His partner played a pivotal role during his crisis, insisting he seek help when she noticed his erratic behavior, stating, “You’re delirious.” Initially resistant, he finally acquiesced, leading to his admission. "When the police and ambulance arrived, I was taken by surprise, but I knew something had to change. I felt like I was being treated like a prisoner, locked away with no choice but to endure the treatment," he recounted.
During his two-week stint at the hospital, Cognetti described the environment as stifling—"it’s like living in prison." He was kept under strict conditions, where sedatives were administered, and freedom was scarce. Yet, he acknowledged the necessity of the process for his mental health recovery. "It served me to not be tortured by my thoughts anymore. I could finally start recreative my mind,” he remarked.
Despite the challenges, Cognetti shared insights on the potential for healing. He articulated the feelings of hopelessness he endured throughout the relationship with his former partner and how grief compounded his emotional struggles. “To leave my long-time partner took all my courage and much alcohol. I was drowning myself, acknowledging my compulsive drinking habits during the darkest moments,” he detailed.
Beyond his emotional upheaval, Cognetti has faced criticism from those around him, especially following the release of his latest film. “After my recent work, some people around where I grew up have turned away from me, becoming distant or hostile,” he noted, indicating how fame can take its toll not just on personal well-being but communal relationships as well.
Paolo Cognetti's story serves as both a reminder and a beacon of hope for those battling mental health issues. He emphasizes, “Mental illnesses should not be ashamed of. The recovery begins by accepting who we truly are.” By sharing his experiences, Cognetti hopes to inspire others to seek help and openly discuss their own challenges.
Ending on a hopeful note, he expressed his desire to reconnect with nature, saying, “I want to be free, with an agenda empty for the next six months. I wish to enjoy the world around me — those untouched places still exist.” His message resonates deeply: recovery is possible, and living authentically is fundamental to finding peace.
