It is simple: Italians talk to each other.
We were tasked to interview CUOA students to find out more about the students and what their aspirations are in life. I interviewed CUOA student, Edoardo Agugiardo who is finishing up his degree in business.
As the interview progressed, I asked about depression and if it was a big thing nationally. I asked because I too was a college student and I thought it was a social issue like it is in North America.
Edoardo looked confused and asked me multiple times what “depression” was. I had difficulty explaining it to him and honestly, I think he just nodded and pretended to understand to be polite.
After some time, he did recognize the word “mental illness” and “sadness” as maybe he thought it was a medical thing.
So, I asked him why he thinks that depression is not a societal issue. His answer was simple,” I talk to people about my problems”. He goes out and talks a lot to his friends and family on his free time. He also says that he felt free talking to them about anything for hours.
That got me thinking that maybe not only Canada, but North America in general, can learn a thing or two about Italian culture. That as a society, one of our biggest challenges today can be solved by just talking to the person beside us.
The Chris Experience 