Total costs for the country exceed 100 million euros.
The French government is publishing alarming statistics. Every year, 13 million French people face mental disorders, with 3 million living with severe forms of illness. Particularly concerning is the statistic regarding youth: over 10% of minors suffer from mental disorders, reports Santé publique France. More than half of the population (53%) has experienced psychological distress in the past year. For 70% of the French, the topic remains taboo.
In 2023, France recorded 8,868 suicides (13.6 per 100,000 residents). There is particular concern regarding the situation among young women: mortality among women under 25 has doubled from 2015 to 2022.
It is also reported that this tragic statistic has an economic interpretation: treatment and medical care cost 23 billion euros annually, while the total economic and social costs are estimated at 107 billion euros.
France has long been considered the "world champion" in psychotropic drugs, but OECD data refutes this stereotype. In terms of antidepressants, the French are at the bottom of the list: 61 doses per day per thousand residents compared to the OECD average of 76 doses. The leaders are Iceland (165 doses), Portugal (154), and the United Kingdom (136).
Nevertheless, the reality is that 4.4 million French people take antidepressants, and 4.2 million take anxiolytics. These figures reflect the scale of the need for help.
Psychiatrist Jean-Victor Blanc, author of the book "Pop & Psy" and organizer of the festival of the same name, emphasized:
"Pop culture can change perceptions of mental health."
He reminded that when Lady Gaga openly talks about post-traumatic stress and experienced sexual violence, it "gives hope to people who have faced similar issues and helps break down stereotypes."
According to Blanc, in France, artists Garou, singer Louane, and musician Stromae play a similar role. However, he notes that the French are still more reserved than Americans, "but the liberation of speech has already begun."
Specific programs are also being launched in various fields. For example, French sports organizations have presented a psychological support plan for high-level athletes: among them, every fifth experiences psychological discomfort, 17% are at risk of depression, and 24% have anxiety disorders.
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