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Announced as the 2025 鈥�Grande Cause Nationale鈥� for the French government, mental health issues are estimated to affect one in five people in France. 

This is virtually the same as in the United States, while in England it is even higher: one in four people will experience some kind of mental illness there every year.

Having decided to spotlight this issue for 2025, the French government is investing 鈧�150,000 into publicity and communication to raise awareness. 

It states that mental health troubles are the top expense for the French health service at 鈧�25billion a year, costing society as a whole 鈧�163billion a year.

What counts as a mental health problem?

The stereotypical image of a mental health patient as someone in a straitjacket on a psychiatric ward is long gone, as this government scheme takes pains to explain. This is a widespread issue that affects us all. 

It can encompass trouble sleeping that affects your everyday life, heightened anxiety, depression, burnout, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress and hyperactivity, as well as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Read more: People in France can have 12 mental health support sessions per year reimbursed

The latest 2025 figures from Statista show that in France, high numbers of people are either currently suffering a mental health issue or have experienced one within the past five years. 

For example, 42% report trouble sleeping, 37% anxiety, 17% depression, 14% burnout and 9% suicidal thoughts. 

Among the 13 million people said to be experiencing mental health issues in France at any given time, three million of those are suffering a severe level of illness that also has a huge impact on their friends and family. 

The latest 2025 statistics from Sant茅 Publique France show that the number of hospital visits for suicidal thoughts and anxiety among adults is continuing to rise compared to previous years.

Mental health stigma

The French health service estimates that around half of sufferers avoid consulting a professional, largely due to the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, but the problem does not simply go away. 

Statistics from France, the UK and the US are all very similar when it comes to this subject: around 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by the age of 14, and 75% begin by the age of 24.

Mental illness is not a sign of weakness and you cannot simply 鈥榖uck up鈥� and will yourself to get better: you need to seek treatment as you would for any other illness.

When should I consult a GP?

Ameli鈥檚 website states clearly that it is not enough to be in good physical health, and that if you are lacking morale, if you cannot carry out daily tasks, maintain links with those around you, work and find pleasure in life, then you need to see someone.

Read more: France to introduce first ever blood test for bipolar disorder

What treatment is available?

Depending on the type and severity of your condition, you can be offered therapy sessions, a referral to your local CMP (Centre M茅dico-Psychologie), or prescribed medication. 

As part of the 2025 Grande Cause plan, there will also be efforts to improve and simplify access to care throughout France, ensuring help for the most vulnerable and those with the most complex disorders.

Find out more

If you are even slightly concerned about your mental health, it could be worth visiting your GP for advice. If you are in immediate distress, the French suicide prevention hotline is 3114, a free number open 24 hours a day staffed by trained professionals. English-speakers in France can call SOS Help on 01 46 21 46 46 to speak to a trained volunteer.