He too has only one desire, to find the warmth of the terraces.
But Michel Lejoyeux, professor of psychiatry and addictology at the University of Paris and author of “4 temps de la renaissance” (Ed. JC Lattes) warns: this reopening should not be accompanied by a overconsumption of alcohol.
A few days before the reopening of the terraces, reservations are taken by storm.
What does this eagerness reflect?
MICHEL LEJOYEUX.
For several months, we have been faced with a series of negative but necessary announcements about the spread of the disease and the epidemic.
And there, we are about to experience a small rebirth.
What must be understood is that we can only endure a traumatic present by anticipating a future that will be better.
It is a great classic of psychology.
We therefore tolerated this considerable frustration, this reduction of freedoms by telling us, the pandemic will slow down, the number of hospitalizations too.
We kept thinking about this positive effect and that is why this reopening is such an important moment.
Read also Deconfinement of May 19: the decline of the epidemic is confirmed, but caution remains in order
Can this deconfinement be a remedy for depressive disorders?
There are two very different things, sadness and annoyance on the one hand and depression on the other.
The relaxation of the constraints will do a lot of good to the former.
Enjoying a drink outside, a cultural place will give them a pleasant feeling.
But it will have no effect on those with depressive illness.
We will not cure any depressed by offering them a place on the terrace.
They are not able to access these emotions precisely because their machine to produce desire is blocked.
So should we be worried if we no longer feel the desire to resume a social life?
If there's a message to get across, this is it.
The absence of pleasure must be a clue.
Am I definitely not feeling any more?
It is a cardinal sign of depression.
In this case, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor or call a support number, many platforms exist.
There is no shame in receiving help.
Paradoxically, can this period of change cause stress?
I don't want to medicate everything.
Health pressure was exerted to restrict certain movements and slow the circulation of the virus.
Today I don't want to invent the stress of deconfinement, see.
Let's not sulk the good news!
My concern is elsewhere.
I fear that this release will be accompanied by a kind of excessive alcohol consumption, compulsory drinking, ethyl comas.
We protected ourselves from the Covid, let's not get drunk.
And you what have you planned on May 19?
Unfortunately, I risk finishing late that evening.
But I won't resist the temptation to enjoy a terrace, not far from my hospital.
I will enjoy a good beer, with a colleague, a friend, enjoying the present moment.
And it will be with great moderation, I promise!