CIt’s an age full of transformations and questions. Adolescence does not necessarily mean carefree and can be difficult to live with, for young people and for their parents. “Covid has widened the gap even further by creating an increase in problems among the most vulnerable,” notes Sabrina Chaussade, educator at the Maison des adolescents in Bergerac, in Dordogne. Family dysfunctions have also increased and we still feel the effects. »
Covid-19: lockdowns have caused adolescent brains to age prematurely
“Adolescence, a period of transition between childhood and adulthood, is marked by radical changes in emotional, behavioral and social development,” recall researchers from the University of Washington. “It is also a time when a sense of personal identity, self-confidence and self-control develop. »
Since 2013, the teenagers have had a “house” in Bergerac. Located at number 6 Place Bellegarde, it welcomes young people aged 11 to 25 and their loved ones, whatever their difficulties. “Initially, we settled in Bergerac because that is where there are the most child psychiatry resources,” explains Hervé Delage, who manages the structure. Our vocation is to take care, not just of mental health. »
The structure, co-supported by the L’Atelier association, is now also deployed in Périgueux and in the local Missions of Thiviers, Ribérac, Nontron and Terrasson (by appointment only).
Anonymous and free
Nurse, psychologist, educator: in total, four professionals are available to receive young people or their loved ones. Anonymous, confidential and free, the place is accessible without parental authorization. “We are increasingly in demand. It is often mothers who call us because they are worried, they have discovered traces of scarification, noticed the consumption of narcotics or simply that their child is withdrawing, explains Marion Coustillas, reception manager. We also have calls from school nurses. » Increasingly, the Adolescent Center must also respond to emergency situations, particularly after suicide attempts.
“Our vocation is to take care, not just of mental health”
In total, the structure receives 350 young people per year in Bergerac and Périgueux. “The idea is not to offer long-term follow-up, even if we can deviate from this, especially since you have to wait a year for a first appointment in a medical-psychological center (CMP ),” says Hervé Delage. Meetings take place individually but also in groups with weekly workshops. Teenagers can try their hand at writing, working the land or even playing video games.
Doors open Wednesday
The team regularly intervenes in secondary schools. “Today we are well identified by young people but also by high schools and colleges,” believe the members of the team. For those who have not yet dared to open the door, the Maison des adolescents is organizing an open day on Wednesday October 2, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., during which you can meet the team.
Practical. The Teenagers’ Center is open from Monday to Friday at 6, place Bellegarde in Bergerac. Contact on 05 53 61 55 93 or 06 38 70 82 38 or by email at [email protected]. The Périgueux branch (5, rue Thiers) is open by appointment only.
