Adolescence and early adulthood mark critical phases in a young person's psychological development. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened vulnerabilities, disrupting this process for many in France and beyond. Early, empathetic intervention is vital to guide youth through these challenges.
Equip yourself to identify distress in adolescents and students, safeguarding their mental well-being with timely, effective support.
France's education system faced upheaval in 2020: evolving health protocols, strict lockdowns with homeschooling, and the rise of remote learning.
Amid this, teens and students lost social connections and access to leisure spots, sparking low mood and demotivation—the early harbingers of mental strain.
Early detection is crucial for young people. Heighten your awareness to recognize these warning signals.
Symptoms vary but often include:
Did you know? Over one in six young people halted higher education due to the COVID epidemic.
Don't underestimate psychological strain in youth. Mild depressive symptoms can escalate to severe, long-term health consequences.
Lockdowns intensified eating disorders (EDs) in France, affecting half a million youth. Conditions like anorexia claim hundreds of lives annually.
School phobia, a key driver of dropouts, manifests as refusal to attend class, nausea, insomnia, and more, varying by severity.
Risky behaviors and addictions are rampant, including substance use (alcohol, drugs), reckless driving, or crimes like vandalism and theft.
Vigilance is key—these can lead to post-traumatic stress or worse. Alarmingly, youth suicide rates have risen since COVID-19 began.
Parents and close adults play a pivotal role in aiding mental recovery.
Foster understanding, active listening, and empathy to open dialogue. Proven approaches include:
When home efforts fall short, activate professional care pathways and specialized resources.
Collaborate with child health pros, teachers, GPs, or educators for impactful results.
This validates their feelings, emphasizing open communication to unpack buried issues.
Key resources include:
Note limitations: university health services were overwhelmed, with just one psychologist per 30,000 students.
Teens, students, youth in pain—we're here for you!
We provide confidential support for policyholders of all ages. If distress overwhelms, contact our psychological assistance service for expert listening and guidance.
https://www.ameli.fr/gironde/assure/sante/themes/souffrance-psychique
https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/psychologie/Fiche.aspx?doc=phobia-school
https://www.lesechos.fr/politique-societe/societe/covid-19-des-effets-deleteres-chez-les-jeunes-1275762
https://www.fondationdefrance.org/fr/sante-des-jeunes-soutenir-les-jeunes-en-souffrance-psychique
