For several months, specialists have sounded the alarm bells on the harmful effects of confinement on the mental health of the French.

The subject is taken seriously within the government, and a meeting on the issue is organized on Saturday in Matignon, around Prime Minister Jean Castex. 

It is a question of public health that has become political.

While many specialists, such as psychiatrist Serge Hefez, on Friday, on Europe 1, are worried about the consequences of the new confinement on the mental health of the French, the subject is taken very seriously by the government.

And this question must be addressed on Saturday morning in Matignon, during a meeting bringing together in particular Prime Minister Jean Castex and Minister of Health Olivier Véran. 

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Around the Prime Minister, it is recognized that "mental health has become a real concern".

"The period created anguish: fear of the virus, resuscitation, confinement, economic consequences", confirms an adviser to Europe 1. 

Saturday morning, in Matignon, Jean Castex will therefore list with Olivier Veran all the devices already put in place in recent months, especially for young people and students.

A progress report on their implementation, and above all on what needs to be reinforced. 

"It can affect everyone"

If this is the first time that a meeting has been dedicated to him at Matignon, the subject is regularly discussed in defense council.

And within the executive, many say they are aware of the ravages of confinement on the morale and mental health of the French.

"It can affect everyone, not just the most precarious," warns a member of the cabinet.

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On the Matignon side, it is even explained that the choice that was made Thursday of less confinement is precisely the illustration of this issue: to offer more freedom to reduce the impact of confinement.

But an advisor agrees: "It is a project that will take years, well after the end of this anxiety-provoking period".