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The World Health Organization estimates that the pandemic has had a major impact on mental health in 2020. It notes a 25% increase in cases of anxiety and depression across the world.
A 25% increase in cases of anxiety and depression worldwide. This is the sad observation of the World Health Organization which reports the explosion in the number of people affected by these pathologies in a memoir devoted to mental health published on March 2.
Difficulty accessing mental health services
This WHO document, based on numerous studies, shows that cases of major depressive disorders have increased by 27.6% and anxiety disorders by 25.6% worldwide. The health crisis has also hindered access to mental health care services in many cases and raised concern about the increase in suicidal behavior among these people.
For Brandon Gray, from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use at WHO, coordinator of this dissertation, this is a “very significant increase“.
Women and young people more affected
According to this brief, women and young people aged 20 to 24 are the most affected by these mental health disorders. Countries that have been more severely affected by the pandemic have a greater rise in these disorders. On the other hand, data on suicides are more variable from one country to another. But according to the coordinator of this dissertation, Brandon Gray, suicidal behavior nevertheless remains a subject of concern. He notes that this risk is higher among young people since the pandemic, with a greater number of cases of suicide attempts and cases of self-harm. Finally, health personnel, exhausted by the health crisis, also represent a group at greater risk of suicidal thoughts.
Consult a GP online
MonPsy, psychologist sessions for follow-up
In France, to deal with the phenomenon, the government has launched the “MonPsy” system. Patients suffering from mild to moderate mental disorders can, on the advice of their attending physician, benefit from eight sessions with a partner psychologist chosen by the patient. To date, more than 500 psychologists have already applied for the scheme to improve access to psychological support for all. The list is available on the online directory www.monpsy.sante.gouv.fr.
The first session is an assessment of the patient’s state of health, which costs 40 euros and the other 7 are treatment sessions, the price of which is 30 euros. These consultations are covered by Medicare up to 60% and 40% will be reimbursed by mutual or complementary health. They are open to everyone, from the age of 3.
At any time during the follow-up, the patient may be redirected to more appropriate care if necessary. Indeed, patients suffering from more severe disorders can benefit from reimbursed care within the pre-existing framework: for example during consultations with psychiatrists, in a medico-psychological center (CMP), infant-juvenile CMP, psychiatry or child psychiatry hospitals, home for adolescents, etc.
According to estimates by the Mental Health and Psychiatry Conference (September 27 and 28, 2021), 10 million French people suffer from mild to moderate mental disorders.