French Polynesia has high levels of mental illness - WHO

1:32 pm on 2 November 2017

A new study backed by the World Health Organisation has found a very high level of mental health problems in French Polynesia.

The study carried out in 2015 and 2016 found that 42 percent of the adult population suffers from poor mental health, with many conditions exacerbated by excessive alcohol and drug consumption.

It noted that one in five people questioned admitted to having tried to commit suicide.

About a quarter of those surveyed said they had anxiety problems.

The findings were presented at a news conference attended by government ministers and professionals who again highlighted the need to bolster the mental health sector.

The results showed that the problems are more severe than in mainland France.