Adolescent mental health indicators as of March 2022 – including visits to the emergency room for suicidal gestures and thoughts and for mood disorders – remain at a very high level,”comparable to those observed at the start of 2021, or even higher, particularly among 15-17 year olds“, indicates Public Health France in its March monthly update.
“Data collected for 2021 and early 2022 show an increase in mental health issues among adolescents compared to previous years. Adolescence is a period of life subject to many changes likely to impact mental health and the health crisis linked to Covid-19 has apparently weakened some adolescents.“, notes Enguerrand du Roscoät, head of the mental health unit at Public Health France.
In June 2021, as part of its commitment to the mental health of young people, Public Health France deployed a device dedicated to 11-17 year olds, called #JenParleA and intended for “promote early management of the psychological suffering of adolescents, in the context of the health crisis“. And this campaign was very well received by those most concerned:
- 84% of teenagers found that this campaign provided new information;
- 94% of them found it useful;
- 4 out of 10 young people felt concernedespecially young people who have been sad, stressed or anxious;
Continue to encourage young people to talk about their ill-being
In order to continue to act for the mental health of adolescents, Public Health France has decided to rebroadcast its campaign until June 2022. Its objective does not change: prevent the onset of mental disorders among adolescents by promoting help-seeking by opening up dialogue and facilitating access to listening devices.
In addition to the rebroadcast of 4 15-second films on the TikTok and Snapchat social networks, the campaign offers five vox pops, produced between March and June 2022. They provide testimonials from young people, alone or in groups, where they detail the solutions they adopt when they are not well or when they feel anxious.
Posters will also complete the dissemination of the campaign, to better reach young people who do not have access to social networks. Distributed in colleges and high schools from March 21, they recommend contacting a trusted person in the event of trouble and refer to the Youth Health Wire websitethe listening device specially designed for them.
What to do in case of signs of anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts?
Public Health France recalls that in the event of signs of anxiety or depression, or unusual changes in behavior, it is important to talk about and seek advice from your doctor.
If you are faced with suicidal thoughts, you can contact 3114. The call will be free and confidential, accessible every day 24 hours a day.
Sources:
- Mental Health. Monthly update, March 2022, Public Health France, March 10, 2022
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