Suicide prevention: what are the support and listening devices?

Suicide prevention is a priority for the Ministry of Health, which has included it in its “Mental Health and Psychiatry 2018-2023” roadmap.

In conjunction with many actors, including associations, several support and listening devices for the mentally ill and their relatives, the following have been set up and continue to be deployed throughout France:

• Device VigilanS to maintain contact with someone who has attempted suicide. Created in 2015, this system sets up a network of health professionals around the person to keep in contact with them. As of February 2023, VigilanS is deployed in 17 regions including 4 overseas regions and 92 departments.
• Of training in identifying suicidal risk and responding to people in crisis. Renovated in 2019, the aim of these trainings is to create, in each region, networks of relay persons capable of identifying people in a situation of discomfort and of acting in conjunction with the professionals of care.
• The program Papageno Supported by the Health Branch and the Ministry of Health, provides the keys to accurately talk about suicide to prevent suicidal contagion and promote self-help and care. At the individual level, being exposed to suicide would increase the risk of suicide by 2 to 4 times.
• The mental health first aid training identify and assist a person in distress or crisis, to refer them to support services and care.
• Les teenagers' houses provide care and support, particularly in cases of suffering related to health or sexual orientation.
• On 3114, the national number “Suffering and Suicide Prevention” is accessible free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the country (metropolis and overseas). This number allows people in psychological distress to exchange and find an appropriate response with 150 hospital psychiatric and mental health professionals (psychiatrists, specialized nurses and psychologists). 3114 also covers the entourage of persons at risk of suicide, bereaved persons and professionals in relation to suicidal persons who wish to obtain specialized advice and advice.
• Younger Health Thread - 0 800 235 236: free anonymous listening service open every day from 9am to 11pm and individual cat from 9 am to 10 pm for 12-25 year olds on the themes of health, sexuality, love, ill-being...
• Nightline, a hotline by and for students, including a online lifestyle kit.
• Psycom proposes a all lines guide and psychological support by phone, chat, internet.