To assess the effects and prevent the onset of these disorders, Santé publique France has established a survey system designed, among other things, to monitor the impact of this unprecedented pandemic and lockdown measures on the mental health of the French population and to identify those most at risk. To support the vital role of general practitioners and mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists), in addition to community organizations, and to facilitate the identification of issues and access to care, a helpline has been established by the government, and a video from the “My Daily Life” series has been developed to help recognize the early signs of stress and provide advice on how to cope with it.

Epidemics: Inevitable Consequences for Mental Health

SARS, Ebola, H1N1, and now COVID-19—these epidemics have significant effects on the daily lives, behaviors, morale, and health of our fellow citizens. Initial studies conducted in China on the impact of the current epidemic report a significant number of anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as sleep disorders.

Previous research suggests a risk of increased suicidal behavior, psychotic-like symptoms, psychosomatic symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and the use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, etc.).

For example: A higher prevalence of anxiety reported by the French population during this lockdown period

The lockdown situation and its psychosocial and economic consequences, as well as the fear—for oneself and loved ones—of infection, the virus, the disease, and its consequences (serious physical complications and death) are factors affecting the mental health of the French population.

Since March 23, Santé publique France has been conducting a survey in partnership with BVA among 2,000 internet users aged 18 and older. This allows for tracking changes in the French public’s adherence to preventive measures, assessing the prevalence of mental health disorders (particularly anxiety and depression) within the population, and identifying the most vulnerable segments of the population during this period.

During the first wave of the survey, conducted from March 23 to 25, more than a quarter (27%) of respondents in the sample reported feeling anxious. While the population’s anxiety level decreased between the first and second survey waves, it remains significantly higher (22%) than that observed in the general population in 2017 (13.5%).

Factors associated with higher anxiety include being female, being under 50 years of age, being in a difficult financial situation, currently working from home, being a parent of a child aged 16 or younger, having a close relative with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, perceiving COVID-19 as a serious illness, having poor knowledge of how the virus is transmitted, feeling unable to adopt the recommended measures, and having little trust in public authorities.

These results confirm the importance of engaging healthcare professionals and implementing appropriate measures to address the factors that help reduce anxiety.

Several resources for people in psychological distress

General practitioners, mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists), and community organizations are essential resources for supporting those in distress and reducing anxiety caused by this pandemic.

To facilitate access to these professionals when needed, a section dedicated to mental health has been created on the Santé publique France website, listing all remote support services, categorized by topic (violence, grief, psychological distress, addictions, parenting, etc.).

In addition, Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Government Information Service, has developed a series of short, informative videos titled “My Daily Life” to help French people cope as best as possible during the weeks of lockdown. A new video completes this collection. It addresses the stress caused by this period and offers simple advice.

The tone is reassuring: feeling worried and anxious during this time is perfectly normal, but it’s also possible to find ways to prevent these feelings from taking hold. “Talk to loved ones, organize your days, relax with activities you enjoy, be mindful of your alcohol and tobacco use, stay informed without overdoing it… and if it’s too difficult, you can talk to your doctor or call a helpline.”

The video provides a link to the toll-free hotline 0 800 130 000, dedicated to psychological support and established by the government.