Suicidal thoughts and attempts: warning signs that should alert loved ones

The numbers are alarming. According to France’s latest public health barometer, published this Monday, suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among young people has increased significantly over the past ten years, especially since Covid.

According to a 2021 survey, suicidal ideation has more than doubled since 2014 among young people aged 18–24, suicide attempts reported during their lifetime have increased by 50% compared to 2017, and the number reported in recent years 12 months – more than 60%. These figures “confirm a significant increase in discomfort among the youngest,” the public health agency said.

Successful identification of suicide risk remains necessary to prevent acts of suicide. Child psychiatrist Christine Barois for Le Parisien explains what signs should alert us, as a victim or a loved one in trouble. And how to support them.

What are the warning signs?

CHRISTINA BARUA. These are signs of depression. At first the mood is sad, you don’t want anything else, it’s difficult to get up because it seems as if there is a building in front of the bed that you can push. These are people who withdraw into themselves and often feel guilty. Physically, they no longer take care of themselves, they no longer wear makeup, for example, although they used to do this. These can be very excited bodies or, on the contrary, completely slow ones. This may be accompanied by weight loss or gain, as well as eating disorders such as snacking. Then we have sleep disorders with insomnia or even hypersomnia. There are also cognitive disorders. These people have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time; a colleague or teacher may notice that they are less productive.

What to do when you notice these signals?

For someone in this state, it’s hard to say There’s nothing wrong with me, I can’t handle it on my own, I’ll ask for help, I’ll come to terms with the diagnosis and I’ll come to terms with the treatment. The first step is to tell yourself that you can’t do it alone and you need to get help. For the outer person it is also delicate because you cannot distinguish a depressed person. Get up and go. The best solution is to let him know that we are there and offer him help. Whatever happens, the approach must come from the person who is unwell. Once she agrees, we can refer her to a psychologist or even a therapist.

How can we explain this rise in depression among young people?

Even if it is not scientifically established, I am observing that there is a post-Covid and post-lockdown effect. My impression was that there was a sort of security perimeter that was greatly reduced during incarceration, and when it subsequently had to be expanded, it required many people to face real life. Many of them felt very good during their imprisonment, especially those who suffered from phobias. And it was for them that this was the most difficult. However, I think we also need to be hopeful. We have always survived crises and always recovered. You must be positive.