The people of Reunion are as depressed as the inhabitants of France, but less than the other Domians, according to the results of a European Health survey conducted in 2019, published by INSEE. That year, 11% of the island’s inhabitants (15 years and over) had moderate or severe symptoms of depression, just like in mainland France. This share amounted to 15% in Gaudeloupe, at 17% in Martinique, 19% in Guyana and 20% in Mayotte. “Perceived poor state of health, significant limitation of daily activities, a low level of income and a lack of interest from those around you are the most significant determinants of a depressive state, comments INSEE. These risk factors more often concern women and the elderly who are therefore more affected by depression”. This mental health disorder is accompanied by more frequent addictive behaviors : more people suffering from depressive syndrome consume alcohol or tobacco daily. If they also consult health professionals more often than others, they also more frequently forgo care, whether for financial matters or for other reasons.
