Autism self-help groups (SHGs) are designed as spaces of empowerment that promote inclusion, citizenship, and, by extension, the mental health of people with autism. The opportunity for self-management by the people concerned opens up strong prospects for (re)building their identity, enabling them to develop multiple skills, assert their autonomy, and become involved in various peer support, social participation, and creative initiatives. However, in practice, self-managed SHGs for autism come up against several obstacles, including a lack of specific support, limited institutional recognition, and the absence of qualitative evaluation of the effects on individual and collective trajectories. Autistic coordinators, who are often in precarious situations, have to take on a host of responsibilities without benefiting from the pooled resources available to traditional medico-social institutions. This reality raises questions about the ability of self-managed SHGs for autism to become genuine, sustainable drivers of public mental health. Beyond these observations, this article proposes to reflect on the role that these SHGs could play as places for health promotion and participatory research in the field of neurodiversity, as part of an approach that respects autistic self-normativity and the principle of health democracy: “nothing for us without us.&#8221.
INTRODUCTION:Stigma in psychiatry and mental health remains a major barrier to access to care, recovery, and social inclusion. It manifests through stereotypes, discrimination, and self-stigma, thereby exacerbating psychological distress and social inequalities. This article aims to analyze, in France and across Europe, the determinants of the effectiveness of protective factors against stigma in the fields of psychiatry and mental health. METHODS:We conducted a critical narrative review covering the period 2015–2025, based on a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by a review of grey literature (WHO, OECD, Eurobarometer, Santé publique France, and association reports). Study selection and quality appraisal were performed independently in duplicate using assessment tools adapted for quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS:Stigma mechanisms involve labeling, stereotyping, social separation, discrimination, and self-stigma. Consequences include delayed access to care, worsening psychological distress, social exclusion, and substantial economic costs. Public policies, media, and peer support emerge as central levers. Operational definitions, data traceability, and a comparative table of interventions are provided in the appendix. DISCUSSION:Despite progress, stigma persists. Harmonization of measurement instruments, longitudinal evaluations, and coordinated mobilization of stakeholders are required. CONCLUSION:The article highlights innovative strategies grounded in lived experience, paricularly peer support and the co-construction of policies.
INTRODUCTION:Local Mental Health Councils (CLSMs) offer a concrete and sustainable example of what public mental health, conceived as a common good, could look like. At the intersection of psychiatry, public health, and health democracy, they embody an intersectoral, territorially grounded, and participatory approach to mental health. METHODS:Drawing on a review of their origins, an analysis of policy documents, and empirical examples from Parisian CLSM—complemented by insights from other regions—this article proposes viewing CLSMs as empirical and imperfect agents of public mental health in practice. Far from being homogeneous, these mechanisms reflect both local specificities and the effects of the absence of a normative framework. RESULTS:This contribution highlights the structural tensions that hinder their consolidation, particularly with regard to institutional recognition, the sustainability of resources, and the effective participation of people with lived experience. DISCUSSION:Finally, it opens a discussion on the political, organizational, and ethical conditions required for a truly shared territorial governance of mental health.
INTRODUCTION:Supported Employment, based on the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, is increasingly implemented in France to promote the professional inclusion of people with mental health disabilities. This study examines its effects on employment outcomes and certain dimensions of mental health, as well as its implementation modalities. METHODS:The study is based on a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses at three levels: organizations (N = 27), employment specialists (N = 71), and service users (N = 1,027, including N = 67 followed longitudinally over one year). Qualitative data were collected through 27 group interviews and telephone interviews conducted as part of the longitudinal follow-up. RESULTS:An employment rate of 51% and a 6-month job retention rate of 62% were observed. Mental well-being increased among individuals who gained employment, while some dimensions of recovery progressed independently of employment status. Organizations showed a high level of fidelity to the IPS model, and employment specialists reported high levels of competency associated with employment outcomes. DISCUSSION:These findings suggest that Supported Employment is not limited to facilitating access to employment but may also contribute to broader recovery processes. They highlight the role of employment specialists and the importance of cooperation between mental health, social, and employment sectors. CONCLUSION:Supported Employment promotes professional inclusion and supports recovery trajectories in mental health. It constitutes a lever for improving public mental health.
INTRODUCTION:Mental Health Awareness Weeks (SISM, Semaines d’information sur la santé mentale) are an annual initiative aimed at promoting mental health among the general population across French territories. Through post-film discussions, exhibitions, and workshops, participants receive information, reflect on social representations, and identify individual and collective resources. These initiatives are led by diverse stakeholders organized within local SISM collectives. Given the growing number of events and participating groups, this study aims to analyze collaboration practices within these collectives in order to identify key factors associated with effective partnerships. METHODS:A quantitative study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire analyzed with descriptive statistics. The instrument was developed following exploratory semi-structured interviews. RESULTS:We obtained 143 responses, primarily from peer support organizations and local authorities. The findings highlight the diversity of partnerships within the collectives. Collaborative work relies on regular meetings, coordination tools, and a climate of trust among members. Internal coordination is characterized by shared responsibilities and adaptive governance. These elements foster a sense of collective efficacy and pride regarding the perceived impact of SISM activities. DISCUSSION:Our findings align with the existing literature on health partnerships. The study identifies concrete facilitators of collaboration, including flexible leadership, in-person meetings, and both formal and informal opportunities for exchange, as well as the use of charters and action plans. Volunteer engagement is widespread, and co-construction with individuals experiencing mental health conditions contributes to reducing interprofessional silos across territories. CONCLUSION:Partnership dynamics within local SISM collectives contribute to mental health promotion across territories and may provide a model for other local stakeholder networks.
