Health · Mental Health · 8 hrs ago
University blockades in France weigh on students’ mental health
Some universities in France were still blocked on November 9 amid an ongoing social movement.
The blockades have disrupted classes and campus life for students, including some who support the movement.
Lohann says she has had no classes for more than a month and worries about passing her degree, while isolation has made daily life harder.
Samuel says the closure has left him feeling excluded and anxious, far from his family during his first year of higher education.
The closure of his university restaurant, which offered one-euro meals, has also made him plan food spending more carefully.
A university psychologist says anxiety and depressive symptoms have worsened for some patients who were already vulnerable, and that the social isolation can bring back memories of the Covid period.
Students remain caught between supporting the movement and worrying about its effects, while some universities are still blocked.
University blockades in France are affecting some students’ mental health, with reports of isolation, anxiety and low mood.
Students Lohann and Samuel say cancelled classes and disruption to student life have made it harder to keep up with studies and plan for the future.
Both students support the social movement but are worried about the effects of the blockades on their studies and wellbeing.
A university psychologist in Cachan says anxiety and depressive symptoms have intensified recently among some patients who were already vulnerable.
She says the disruption and social withdrawal can bring back memories of the Covid period.
- Who
- Students Lohann and Samuel, and psychologist Marion Leclerc.
- What
- University blockades are affecting some students’ mental health and disrupting their studies and social lives.
- When
- Some universities were still blocked on Monday, 9 November. Lohann said she had had no classes for more than a month.
- Where
- Universities in France; Leclerc works at a university psychological support centre in Cachan, Val-de-Marne.
- Why
- Cancelled classes, isolation and disruption to student life are causing stress. The students also worry about validating their academic year.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lohann said she had not had classes for more than a month.
Marion Leclerc said anxiety and depressive symptoms had intensified among some patients who were already vulnerable.
Some universities in France were still blocked.
- Students interviewed
- Lohann and Samuel
- Classes missed by Lohann
- More than a month
- Psychologist
- Marion Leclerc
- Support centre location
- Cachan, Val-de-Marne
- University status
- Some universities were still blocked on 9 November
2 sources
What people are saying
My days unfortunately don't look like much anymore
the blockade affects morale quite a lot
They are once again in a context of social withdrawal, a disorganisation of their student life, and it makes them think again about what they experienced during Covid