[Adolescent mental health: perception and support from adults in the school setting].

OBJECTIVE

To compare young people's and adult's perceptions of certain mental health issues in order to be able to propose solutions targeting the improvement of the current situation.

METHOD: A school nurse, a chief education counselor and homeroom teacher (3 people per establishment) from 15 schools in the Doubs county were questioned using semi-directed interviews. The schools were all junior high schools or preparatory schools for students aged between 15 and 18 who were studying to take the baccalaureat examination. The data were compared with those of the Health Barometer (a national representative sample of young people attending school in France).

RESULTS

Adults have a different perception of health in general and mental health in particular compared to that of young people. There is a perceptible gap between certain adults on the one hand, given their motivation, investment and wish be of help to young people, and on the other hand, young people's perception of it. It seems that for everyone questioned, the school nurse is a uniquely, important contact person. She is in a considerably favourable position for listening and providing assistance on difficult questions like suicidal thoughts, depression, and problems linked to sexuality or contraception.