Public psychiatrists in France are preparing to strike to draw attention to what they describe as a "deep crisis" in the mental health system. Several major unions, including the Intersyndicale de la défense de la psychiatrie publique (IDEPP), the Syndicat des psychiatres d'exercice public (SPEP), the Syndicat des psychiatres des hôpitaux (SPH), and the Union syndicale de la psychiatrie (USP), have organized a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Health this Thursday at 11:20 AM. The unions accuse the government of failing to adequately address the challenges facing mental health care, criticizing its responses as "communication, vague promises, cosmetic or unfeasible measures, without additional means." According to the unions, the mental health sector is suffering from severe resource shortages. There is a reported 30% shortage of hospital psychiatrist positions and a 15% shortage of psychiatry intern positions. Additionally, there is a shortage of approximately 10,000 hospital beds. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that hundreds of patients with "orientation," meaning those needing a specific type of care or placement, are waiting several days in emergency rooms for a spot. These issues are compounded by the fact that psychiatry has seen the "lowest budget growth" among all medical disciplines, leading to a lack of resources, inadequate salaries, and deteriorating infrastructure. The unions also highlight the poor state of facilities and equipment, which must accommodate 480,000 patients in hospitals and 2 million in outpatient care through medical and psychological centers (CMP). These centers are experiencing rapidly growing waiting lists, further straining the system. Despite these challenges, the government is asking institutions to take on additional responsibilities, such as ending the use of restraints by 2030 and implementing a "fast track" system for young people in psychological distress through the national education system. In response to these issues, the unions are demanding a "multi-year plan to restore public psychiatry," better pay and recognition of the profession's hardships, and a significant increase in the number of beds and care positions. They are seeking a collaborative approach with the government to address the crisis and ensure sustainable improvements in mental health care across France.