In this year designated as the National Year of Mental Health, these findings underscore the need to change perceptions of mental health conditions and to strengthen information resources in order to facilitate access to prevention and care. In response to these challenges, Santé publique France and the Ministry of Health, Families, Autonomy, and People with Disabilities are launching “À qui ressemble,” a national campaign running from November 9 to December 10. Its goal: to encourage open discussion and combat the stigmatization of people affected by mental health disorders.

Characterized depressive episodes: marked disparities and still-limited access to care

The Santé publique France Health Barometer provides an overview of major depressive episodes (MDE) among adults aged 18 to 79 living in France. These results for the year 2024 reveal that nearly one in six adults (16%) has experienced a major depressive episode in the past 12 months.

Young adults aged 18 to 29 are particularly affected (22%), as are women (18%, compared to 13% of men). The prevalence of EDCs is three times higher among people who perceive their financial situation as difficult (28%) compared to those who report being financially comfortable (9%). The unemployed (25%), the economically inactive (24%), and students (22%) are also more at risk than those in the workforce (15%), as are people living alone (19%) or in single-parent families (21%).

However, access to care remains limited: more than one in two people (56%) affected by an EDC in the past 12 months did not consult a healthcare professional. This proportion is higher among men (65%) than among women (50%).

The results of the Santé publique France Barometer reveal persistent disparities and unequal access to care. According to the Coviprev survey (2023)¹, the main barriers to seeking care are: cost, fear of stigma (reluctance to confide in others; fear that loved ones will find out), and a lack of information about available resources.

The management of mental health disorders in France thus appears to be characterized by significant underutilization of care, marked by structural, financial, cultural, and informational barriers that hinder the response to needs.

A campaign to encourage open dialogue and promote active listening

To address some of these findings, Santé publique France and the Ministry of Health are launching, as part of the 2025 National Cause, a public awareness campaign aimed at the general public titled “Who Does It Resemble?” It will run from November 9 to December 10 on TV, radio, and digital platforms.

Its goal is to encourage people facing mental distress to talk about it and seek help without fear of being stigmatized, while urging each of us to listen to those in need.
The campaign conveys a powerful societal message centered on three key points:

• Anyone can experience mental distress or a mental health condition

• Let’s talk about it, let’s listen to one another

• Health also means mental health

The campaign’s visuals are based on the repetition of a single loop, featuring the same characters twice in a row. The first loop shows that mental distress or mental health issues can affect anyone at some point in their life—whether it’s us or someone close to us. The second loop revisits the same characters to make us realize that everyone can also be there to listen to others and play a role in encouraging open conversation. The campaign directs viewers to the website santementale-info-service.fr.

By showing that we are all affected, the “À qui ressemble” campaign aims to normalize the discussion around mental health, promote a collective culture of listening and support, and change society’s perception of mental health issues.

A resource site to inform and guide

Santé publique France provides the website santementale-info-service.fr. This site offers reliable and educational content to help you learn more and find resources: better understand mental health, learn how to take care of it on a daily basis, identify signs of psychological distress, and find appropriate help when needed.

If you’re experiencing psychological distress, it’s essential to talk about it. An initial evaluation can be conducted by a general practitioner, who will refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if necessary. You can also contact a mental health professional directly.
If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or having suicidal thoughts, you can contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 3114 (available 24/7, free, confidential, and staffed by professionals).