This is (perhaps) the good news of the day: according to a recent study by the University Hospital of Montpellier, the number of hospitalizations for attempted suicide fell markedly during the first confinement (in spring 2020) compared to the same period, in spring 2019.
In detail, the researchers (members of the FondaMental Foundation) identified 10,400 suicide attempts in France during the first confinement – between March 17 and May 11, 2020.
Compared with 2019, scientists observed a “significant reduction in the overall number of suicide attempts“, in particular for suicide attempts”non-severe“(understand: not requiring intensive care), suicide attempts among women and among French people under 30 years of age.
The number of severe suicide attempts has not changed
How to explain this (surprising) drop? The researchers (who specify that the results “consistent with the decline observed in other countries during periods of confinement“) put forward several hypotheses:”the collective sense of mutual aid, observed during times of national crisis“,”adaptation to a new form of work (teleworking, reduction of hours)” and “financial aid“.
This hopeful information must however be qualified. First, as scientists point out, because “the number of severe suicide attempts [requérant des soins intensifs] did not change“. Then because this statistical drop”could be explained by the non-hospitalization of cases of non-severe suicide attempts due to limited access to Emergency, unlike the most serious attempts“.
Thoughts of suicide: above all, do not be alone with your suffering
Finally, because the mental health of the French has only deteriorated since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic: according to Public Health France, nearly 1 in 5 French people today suffer from a “depressive state” – this mainly concerns young people (18-24 years old and 25-34 years old), the inactive and people in precarious situations …
We remind you: in the event of suicidal thoughts, it is best to talk to a loved one or to a health professional (attending physician, nurse, pharmacist, etc.). There are also listening and support organizations: the national number (0 800 858 858), the SOS Suicide Phenix France Foundation (01 40 44 46 45) or even Suicide Écoute (01 45 39 40 00). Above all, do not be alone.
Source: press release FondaMental Foundation.
Read also :
- Maternal deaths: every month, a young mother or a pregnant woman commits suicide
- Containment: 8 signs that indicate child suffering
- 1 suicide every 40 seconds in the world
