France’s Youth Mental Health Crisis Deepens Post-Pandemic, Study Reveals
France’s youth are facing a growing mental health crisis, with young people seeking mental health services at unprecedented rates since teh COVID-19 pandemic.A recent study published in the JAMA Network open journal highlights a significant rise in mental health visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions for medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics among those aged 25 and younger.
The study, led by researchers from Aix-Marseille University, analyzed data from approximately 20 million young people in France. It found that between 2016 and 2023, the rate of mental health-related medical interventions increased “substantially,” with a sharp uptick following the pandemic.
“The situation in France is not an isolated case, and COVID-19 has put to the fore the shortcomings of our mental health system,” said Marcel Marchetti from the advocacy group mental Health Europe. “The increased use of medication, especially among young people, is concerning, especially in light of the over-medicalisation of mental health issues.”
Gender Disparities in Mental Health struggles
The study revealed stark gender differences in mental health outcomes. Girls and young women were disproportionately affected, with higher rates of outpatient psychiatric consultations and hospitalizations for suicide attempts. Prescriptions for nearly every type of mental health medication also rose sharply for this group, particularly after the pandemic.
While boys and young men also experienced an increase in antidepressant prescriptions, and also medications for alcohol addiction and ADHD, the rise was less pronounced compared to their female counterparts.
Researchers suggested that social media may play a role in these disparities. “Compared with boys, girls’ social media use might potentially be more frequent, more exposed to cyberbullying, and likely to result in interpersonal stress, a common factor associated with suicide attempts and depression,” they noted.
Government Response and Policy Measures
In response to the crisis, the French government has taken steps to address the mental health challenges faced by young people. One notable initiative is the smartphone ban in middle schools, aimed at reducing screen time and its associated mental health risks. Additionally, France supports EU-wide restrictions on social media access for teens under 15, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health.
key Findings at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Study Period | 2016–2023 |
| Population Studied | 20 million young people aged 25 and younger |
| Key Trends | Increased mental health visits, hospitalizations, and medication use |
| Gender Differences | Girls and young women more affected by mental health issues |
| Post-Pandemic Surge | Sharp rise in mental health interventions after COVID-19 |
| Government Measures | Smartphone bans in schools, support for EU-wide social media restrictions |
A Call to action
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies to support young people in France and beyond. As Marcel Marchetti aptly put it, “The pandemic has exposed the cracks in our mental health systems, and it’s time to address them head-on.”
for more insights into France’s mental health landscape, explore the latest statistics and the WHO’s Mental Health Atlas for France.
The mental health of young people is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Let’s work together to ensure that no one is left behind.
Europe’s Youth Mental Health crisis: A Growing Dilemma
The mental health of Europe’s youth is under unprecedented strain, with rising diagnoses of conditions like bipolar disorder and depression, alongside alarming gaps in access to care. A recent study highlights the severity of the issue, particularly in France, where the number of child psychiatrists has plummeted by 34% between 2010 and 2022, according to the national auditor.
“There’s a problem with getting actual access to mental health support,” Alex Quinn, a policy officer at the European Youth Forum, told Euronews Health.This lack of access is compounded by a surge in prescriptions for drugs like lithium and clozapine, used to treat serious mental health conditions, even among children as young as six. Researchers describe this trend as “particularly striking,” suggesting a potential rise in bipolar disorder diagnoses.
The Pandemic’s Toll on Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis, with traumatic events and high-stress periods triggering mental health conditions in young people. A Danish study found rising levels of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic drug use during the pandemic, while in Spain, suicide attempts among adolescent girls surged by 195% between September 2020 and March 2021.Beyond the pandemic, factors like family dynamics, economic stress, and social media are driving the increase in mental health issues. Quinn also highlights financial precarity, political instability, and a lack of control over the future as key contributors. “Young people are not a homogenous group,” Quinn said. “It’s probably young people from certain backgrounds, or in certain social classes, who are probably much more at risk than others.”
France’s Call to Action
Before his ouster last month, former french Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized that mental health should be the government’s top priority in 2025. this call to action comes as France grapples with a shrinking pool of child psychiatrists and growing demand for mental health services.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Key Issue | Details |
|——————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Decline in Child Psychiatrists | 34% drop in France between 2010 and 2022 |
| Rise in Bipolar Diagnoses | Increased prescriptions for lithium and clozapine among children as young as six |
| Pandemic Impact | 195% increase in suicide attempts among Spanish adolescent girls (2020-2021) |
| Contributing Factors | Financial precarity, social instability, lack of access to care |
A Path Forward
Addressing Europe’s youth mental health crisis requires urgent action. Governments must prioritize mental health funding, expand access to care, and tackle the root causes of instability affecting young people. As Quinn notes, targeted support for vulnerable groups is essential to mitigate the risks.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to Befrienders Worldwide, an international organization offering helplines in 32 countries.Visit befrienders.org to find support in your area.
The mental health of Europe’s youth is not just a personal issue—it’s a societal one. Without intervention, the long-term consequences could be devastating.
