"We probably don't listen enough to children, their demands and their proposed solutions, because in fact they have plenty."
In France, the mental health of children and adolescents has become a genuine public health emergency. More and more minors are suffering from mental disorders, some of them severe, and families and healthcare professionals alike are facing an unprecedented crisis.
Vincent Trebossen is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Hôpital Robert-Debré and a recognized expert on suicide attempts and suicide among minors. In an episode of the podcast Les Adultes de demain, hosted by Stéphanie d'Esclaibes, he looks at the reasons behind the explosion in psychological disorders, and how we can help.
A crisis that particularly affects young girls
France is currently experiencing a significant rise in psychological disorders among minors. Some children are more vulnerable than others, and young girls are particularly at risk. This reality raises questions about risk factors and social trends: pressure from school, self-image, use of social networks, isolation, violence and harassment.
When should you worry?
It's essential to distinguish between temporary problems associated with adolescence and those that require specialized treatment. There are certain warning signs: persistent isolation, sleep disorders, withdrawal, negative self-talk, eating disorders or self-mutilation. By identifying these signs, you can intervene earlier and more effectively.
The causes: a combination of factors
The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst in this crisis, reinforcing loneliness and anxiety among many young people. But it doesn't explain everything. Massive exposure to screens and digital technology, intra-family violence and school bullying are all realities that weigh heavily on children's psychological health.
Concrete solutions exist
To support families and professionals, accessible tools such as the CléPsy website offer practical, reliable information. In addition, the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant conducts cutting-edge research and develops innovative programs to understand children's brains. This is the very essence of our mission: to listen to what children have to say, understand their experiences and give them the means to flourish.
🎧 Watch the full episode :
How we can help
Improving the mental health of children and adolescents is a cause that concerns us all. Every donation helps fund research, support programs and family awareness-raising.
Make a donation to the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant