Before the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health problems among young people had been declining for several years, but this trend has since leveled off. Dr. Maria Melchior, an epidemiologist and research director at Inserm (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale), suggests that "perhaps we have reached a plateau." She will speak about this topic at the event Futurapolis Santé in Montpellier on Saturday, October 10. Melchior notes that mental health has become a widely discussed subject, with related terms appearing more frequently in everyday language. She earned her doctorate at Harvard University in the United States. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, more young people have been visiting emergency rooms due to suicide attempts, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders. Melchior explains that these conditions are "multifactorial," meaning they are influenced by multiple factors. She emphasizes that she cannot attribute this trend to a single cause. These disorders often result from biological issues interacting with life conditions, especially during childhood and adolescence. She points out that biological factors, such as autism spectrum disorders, have remained stable in recent years. However, there is a rise in what she refers to as "distress diseases," which are likely linked to environmental and social pressures. Melchior attributes this increase in distress-related mental health issues to growing poverty and social inequalities. In France, where young people have been protesting at high schools and universities to demand better educational conditions, she highlights the challenges of university access and the stress caused by high school reforms, such as the Parcoursup system. She also mentions the difficult work environments many young people face, as well as the various crises they have experienced, including the yellow vests movement, climate and economic issues, and the Covid-19 lockdowns. According to Melchior, "13% of elementary school children have an emotional disorder, such as ADHD." She points out that there are delays in mental health care in France. Although the country's health policy is "very egalitarian," with medications often being reimbursed, she explains that this system can still favor those who are more informed about available resources, which often correlates with higher levels of education.