Among young people, the situation regarding mental health and substance use is complex, according to Dr. Maria Melchior, an epidemiologist and research director at Inserm, France's National Institute of Health and Medical Research. Speaking at the Futurapolis Santé event in Montpellier on Saturday, October 10, she highlighted a paradox: while high levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders are observed, there has also been a notable decline in addictive behaviors. This contrast, she explained, shows that while mental health challenges remain significant, progress has been made in reducing the use of harmful substances. Dr. Melchior emphasized that the focus on mental health in young people is often overshadowed by the positive trends in addiction reduction. "We tend to be concerned about the psychological state of young people," she said, "but there are also progress regarding addictions and their impacts." One of the most striking examples is the dramatic drop in tobacco use among youth. "We went from 40 percent of young smokers in the 1990s-2000s to 8 percent today; this is spectacular," she noted. Cannabis use is also declining, according to Dr. Melchior, and she expressed satisfaction at the observation that "if one does not start using it during adolescence, there is little chance one will start at any point." She added that a recent study shows an increasing number of young people are choosing not to drink alcohol at all. This shift, she said, reflects growing awareness of the long-term risks associated with substances like cannabis and alcohol on both physical and mental health. Dr. Melchior’s insights underscore the evolving landscape of youth behavior, where mental health concerns persist but the reduction in substance use signals a shift in societal attitudes and public health strategies. Her research contributes to a broader understanding of how to address these dual challenges effectively.