Depressive symptoms are reported by 6% of Italian adults, a figure that is falling overall but increasing among those aged 18 to 34. This is according to data from the ISS Passi e Passi d'Argento surveillance, which was published today in honor of World Mental Health Day, which is observed on October 10. Researchers from the Institute and the London School of Economics (LSE) have recently published a study that examines the mental health of pregnant women and the first year after childbirth. The study provides the first-ever description of the support available in the Italian Mental Health Departments (DSM) for women with perinatal mental disorders, which in turn highlights the necessity for dedicated resources. A small proportion of Italian individuals, little over 6%, express depressive symptoms and believe that their psychological well-being is jeopardized on an average of 16 days each month. Depressive symptoms are frequently associated with physical issues, which occur on average over 10 days per month in those affected (the average for those free of depression is less than two days), as well as limitations in everyday activities for nearly 8 days per month. Depressive symptoms are more common as people age, particularly among women (7%), the most socially disadvantaged people due to economic difficulties (19%), employment insecurity (8%) or a lack of education (10%), those who live alone (7%) and people with chronic conditions (11%). Only 65% of those asked who experience depressive symptoms seek help, primarily from doctors or health professionals.