An alarming observation: the rise of antidepressants among young people
In recent years, a worrying phenomenon has emerged in France: the explosion in the consumption of antidepressants, particularly among young people aged 12 to 25. According to a report by Assurance Maladie, between 2019 and 2023, this consumption increased by more than 60% in this age group. These figures reveal a concerning trend that raises questions about the mental health of young people and their care.
The causes of collective distress
The Covid-19 pandemic was a true catalyst for the deterioration of mental health in France, particularly among young people. The social isolation imposed by successive lockdowns deprived an entire generation of essential connections for their psychological balance. Routines were disrupted, face-to-face interactions became rare, and many found themselves confined, sometimes in cramped spaces, with no escape. The lack of social activities, outings, and significant events like graduations or celebrations has left deep scars.
Anxiety about the future has also taken a central place. The closure of schools, universities, and businesses fueled uncertainty about employment and career prospects. These economic concerns, amplified by rising inflation and a saturated labor market, weighed heavily on the shoulders of young people, often at a critical moment in their personal development.
Environmental and geopolitical pressures
But the pandemic is only one of many factors. The war in Ukraine, for instance, revived fears that were thought to be forgotten: war in Europe, nuclear threat, and global repercussions on security and the economy. This international instability adds to an environmental crisis that increasingly worries people. Eco-anxiety, a term used to describe the distress caused by the planet’s degradation, has become widespread among young people. For many, climate challenges represent an existential threat that overwhelms them, reinforcing a sense of helplessness.
The pressure of personal and social success
In this already heavy picture, there is an added social pressure to succeed, often exacerbated by social media. Young people are constantly exposed to idealized images of success, whether it’s about brilliant careers, luxurious lifestyles, or perfect bodies. The gap between these unrealistic expectations and their own reality feeds feelings of frustration, comparison, and even self-devaluation.
Antidepressants: a quick but insufficient response
Faced with this cocktail of stress, anxiety, and pressure, antidepressants often appear as an accessible and quick solution. They provide temporary relief, calming the most acute symptoms. However, they do not address the root causes of the distress. While necessary in some cases, particularly for severe depression, their effectiveness is limited without suitable psychological support. Many young people, due to a lack of resources or access to mental health professionals, become dependent on these treatments without proper follow-up, which can worsen problems in the long term.
This collective distress is therefore not an isolated phenomenon but reflects a society facing multiple challenges, where young people, in particular, must navigate an increasingly uncertain and demanding world.
A call for caution
Experts agree that antidepressants are not a miracle solution and must be prescribed with caution. Maurice Bensoussan, psychiatrist and president of the French Psychiatrists’ Union, emphasizes that these medications should only be used in cases of severe depression and accompanied by appropriate psychological support. For moderate depressions, therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or non-drug approaches are often preferred.
Blue Monday: a marketing concept or reality?
When talking about depression, it’s impossible not to mention the famous Blue Monday, considered the most depressing day of the year. This third Monday of January, often cold and gray, is said to be the time when motivation is at its lowest. But beware, this concept, popularized in 2005, has no scientific basis. It was created by a travel agency to sell vacations.
That said, even if it’s a marketing tool, it reflects a truth: January is often a difficult month. The holidays are over, the days are short, and New Year’s resolutions begin to falter. This can be a good opportunity to talk about mental health and take care of oneself.
Why is talking about mental health essential?
In France, the topic of mental health remains somewhat taboo despite growing awareness. Talking about depression or anxiety can help normalize these experiences and encourage those who suffer from them to seek help. Confiding in a loved one, consulting a professional, or simply taking time for oneself are important first steps.
