The mental health of the French, particularly that of young people, remains degraded in 2023, a constant trend since September 2020, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Public Health France confirmed on Monday.
On the eve of World Mental Health Day, the health agency stressed that the use of emergency care in case of mood disorders, suicidal ideas and gestures “increased considerably in 2021 and then in 2022, and has remained stable since then.” at a high level.”
Among young people between 18 and 24 years old, “the increase even continued notably in 2023,” according to Public Health France.
Young people are less worried about their mental health
In September 2023, emergency room visits for suicidal thoughts and gestures, mood disorders (especially depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders, as well as SOS Medical procedures for anxiety, increased among those under 18 years of age, especially among young people from 11 to 17 years old. , as usual during the back-to-school period.
In these tranches d’âges, the levels observed remain elevated most comparable to ceux des années 2021 et 2022, à l’exception des passages pour idées suicidaires chez les 11-17 ans, qui affichaient des levels supérieurs aux années précédentes, selon Santé Pública France.
The health agency also delivered the results of the latest waves of Coviprev surveys, implemented since 2020, which allow the evolution of the population’s mental health to be followed.
Between May and September 2022, more than 7 in 10 people (74%) said they take care of their mental health.
Young people between 18 and 24 years old are, on average, less worried about their mental health or well-being than their elders (64%).
The financial aspect comes into account.
In this age group, the main obstacles to consulting a “psychiatrist” are the price of the consultation, the difficulty in trusting or the fear of what they may discover about themselves, and the fear that those around them will find out, he deciphered. French Public Health.
“Data collected since 2020 demonstrate a deterioration in mental health among adolescents and young adults and a still taboo perception of these issues,” stated Caroline Semaille, director general of the health agency, quoted in a press release.
After “specific actions to free expression about discomfort”, the agency wants to “raise young people’s awareness about activities and behaviors beneficial for their mental health.”
Five “Le Fil Good” videos broadcast on social networks until the end of the year will decipher behaviors favorable to mental health (such as practicing physical activity, getting enough sleep or dedicating time to hobbies). They will also remind you of the importance of speaking up when you feel bad.
Source: BFM TV
