According to a study by Public Health France with the BVA polling institute, more than four out of ten people confide signs of depression or anxiety over the past year. A slightly lower value but which remains high compared to the pre-pandemic threshold.
The French remain marked by the pandemic. More than four in ten people surveyed in December said they had shown signs of being depressed or anxious in the last twelve months, according to the results of the new investigation of Public Health France with the BVA polling institute, published Thursday.
A figure which remains high, almost three years after the first cases of Covid were officially detected in France.
Nearly a quarter of French people say they are anxious
If the confinements now seem far away, the mental health of the French does not show any improvement in 2022. Nearly one in four French people (24%) shows signs of an anxious state, when almost one in six respondents (17% ) recognizes signs of depression.
In total, more than four out of ten people are affected (41%). Not insignificant figures and which are increasing compared to the level outside the pandemic (respectively + 11 points and + 7 points).
Only one slight improvement should be noted: the drop of two points on the part of French people declaring to have had suicidal thoughts during the year compared to 2021. One in ten respondents remains concerned, however.
Nearly eight out of ten French people (79%) also say they have a positive view of their life in general. A stable value and 5 points lower than before the pandemic.
Young people and the precarious particularly concerned
Overall, the figures for anxious and depressive states, life satisfaction, sleep problems and suicidal thoughts do not drop compared to last year. The share of anxious people remains very high, with more than 10 points compared to 2017.
Young adults (18-24 years old), precarious people and those declaring a history of psychological disorders are those who are most often affected by anxious and depressive states, suicidal thoughts and sleep problems.
Women also show particularly poor health. They are particularly affected by anxious and depressive states as well as sleep problems.
The Public Health France CovidPrev survey, carried out in conjunction with the BVA polling institute, has assessed the mental health of the population since the start of the pandemic since March 2020.
If you show signs of depression (sadness, loss of interest, energy), anxiety (tension, irritability), do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor or call the 0 800 130 000. A professional will be at your service. If you have suicidal thoughts for yourself or someone close to you, call 31 14.
