On July 9, a group of associations committed to suicide prevention sent an open letter to the Government and the ministers concerned by this issue. They call on public authorities to continue their commitment, preserving the means and cooperation that have proven effective.
With more than 120 signatories, this collective approach brings together professionals, researchers, associations, volunteers and people concerned around a simple message: suicide prevention must remain a public health priority and benefit from resources commensurate with the challenges. It is supported by the Suicide Study and Prevention Group (Geps), the National Union for Suicide Prevention (UNPS), Prévention Suicide France and already more than a hundred signatories.
This collective calls in particular for:
- Preserve the cooperation dynamics that have proven their worthby favoring partnership rather than competition between actors. Faced with the realities of suicide in France (9,000 deaths and 200,000 attempts each year), actors in the field are mobilized. The solutions are known. The results are there.
- Maintain sustainable funding for suicide prevention associations and systems;
- Strengthen consultation with field workers, researchers and those concerned;
For what ?
In France, every day, one person dies by suicide every hour and 500 people attempt their own lives. Suicide is the 2nd cause of death among 15-25 year olds. The number of suicide attempts by young women has more than doubled over the past five years. In 2019, a study estimated the national cost of suicidal behavior at €24 billion.
However, the litany of figures will never fully account for either the unbearable suffering which leads to these dramatic gestures, nor the unimaginable distress of loved ones: isolation, shame, guilt, complex mourning, realities which concern nearly 3 million people each year in France.
However, suicide is never inevitable. Thanks to fine, plural and combined expertise, it is possible to save many lives. However, today suicide prevention seems to be diluted in a global approach to mental health. The latter is necessary but must include specific, proactive and preventative action.
rigorous, coordinated with stakeholders and supported by public authorities.
In addition, associations have seen their resources decrease over the last 2 yearsjeopardizing the achievement of their missions of general interest.
At the same time, We fear that the evolution of management methods between the Ministry of Health and suicide prevention structures will gradually reduce a partnership relationship to a simple service relationship. However, it is precisely this partnership dynamic that has enabled those in the field to be proactive, to innovate and to act with commitment and efficiency.
Solutions exist. They are supported by actors in the field and are based on known conditions: sustainable funding, capacity for innovation and research, strong coordination between ministries, recognition of professionals and volunteers, continuity of commitments.
Suicide prevention lacks neither expertise nor commitment. Today it lacks state support and resources commensurate with the challenges.
Read the open letter
Sign and share on networks.
