Even in times of carnivals and holidays, mental illnesses don't take a vacation. At the beginning of February, Public Health France reminds us that suicidal behavior is a major health problem in mainland France but also in overseas territories. What signs should alert us? Where to turn in Saint Martin?
On February 3, Public Health France recalled that suicidal behavior is a major health problem in all regions. The health crisis has left its mark with an increase in visits to the emergency room and hospitalization for young people aged 10-24 and women, even in the Guadeloupe and Northern Islands regions. The overseas territories seem less affected with four times fewer hospitalizations for attempted suicide than in mainland France. These figures should be taken with caution. They can be explained by differences in lifestyle but also under-declaration due to poor reporting of figures and a taboo. Research is underway to understand the multicultural, island, economic and health specificities of the DROMs.
What are suicidal thoughts? Not so easy to detect.
These are dark thoughts, desires to die or not wanting to wake up. Changes in behavior can be identified before the appearance of suicidal behavior: we withdraw into ourselves, we isolate ourselves, we feel anxious and irritated. The desire to see our friends or families disappears, we can feel more aggressive towards ourselves and others. We lose the pleasure and the desire to do things that we liked. You may have trouble sleeping, your appetite changes, you feel tired. We lose self-confidence, we find ourselves useless or incapable of managing our lives and we feel guilty.
All these signs can appear together or over time and should alert the person, their family and the doctor. They can be triggered by a friendship or romantic break-up, a move, an attack, the loss of one's job, family violence, financial difficulties or gender discrimination and homophobia. Alcohol or drug use may start or increase.
In children, we notice morbid drawings, repeated injuries, fewer games, problems and even bullying at school. For adolescents, suicidal words can be expressed or else risky, addictive behavior, running away. In the elderly, we will hear comments such as "let me go", "what's the point...", with a refusal of care often in the context of disability, pain or widowhood. In half of the cases, these symptoms are linked to an already present mental illness: depression, addiction, psychoses.
Prevent and treat these sufferings as soon as possible
It is crucial to act upstream to prevent this psychological suffering as soon as possible. There is no shame in having such thoughts or feelings. Suicidal thoughts are mental ailments that can be cured if treated properly.
Talk to your doctor.
Useful addresses and numbers:
• National suicide prevention number, the 3144 valid in the French West Indies 24/24
• Help line of the Amalgame Humani's association 7 days a week, 7 hours a day, +06 (90)59 87 17 XNUMX XNUMX (based in Guadeloupe)
• Medico-Psychological Center, Howell Center, +05 (90)51 05 10 XNUMX XNUMX
• CSAPA Centers for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology, rue Félix Eboué, Marigot, +05 (90)87 01 17 XNUMX XNUMX
Teleconsultation via internet platforms with psychiatrist reimbursed.
_FS
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