According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, France was among the European countries with the highest rates of suicide, with nearly 9,000 deaths by suicide. As for suicide attempts, their number is estimated at 20 times that of deaths by suicide.
Many factors – such as unemployment – can explain the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. And if having a job is recognized as protective against suicide, exposure to certain harmful professional situations (harassment, lack of support from colleagues and superiors, etc.) can also constitute a significant risk factor.
In a study published on December 10, Public Health France tells us that in 2010, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among employed workers was 3.6%. It was down slightly in 2021, reaching 3.2%.
But when we look in detail, a category of the active population follows a diametrically opposite path. Indeed, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among 18-24 year olds remained the same between 2010 and 2020 (3.4%).
But it more than doubled between 2020 and 2021, rising to 7.1%. A dramatic increase which occurs in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which seems to have particularly affected the mental health of young workers.
Sectors more affected than others
The hotel and catering industry is at the forefront of risk sectors. Employees in this sector consistently have the highest rates of suicidal thoughts. Teaching and the entertainment world are not spared, with significant peaks in certain years.
The study also draws a portrait of the most vulnerable profiles: 18-24 year olds, but also to a lesser extent 25-34 year olds, people living alone, without children, or facing financial difficulties.
Among men, employees present the highest risk, while among women the distribution is more even between different professional categories.
As for the reasons placed at the top to explain suicidal thoughts, they were professional for men and family for women.
« This study highlights a significant increase between 2020 and 2021 in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among young, busy workers, contrasting with a moderate decrease or increase in other age groups. », notes Public Health France.
« However, the workplace is conducive to the prevention and promotion of health in general, and mental health in particular. These results provide prevention stakeholders and social partners with some elements to target their actions on the populations most at risk.. »
Source: Public Health France – BEH n°25, December 10, 2024
