At the beginning of October 2025, IFOP unveils the fifth wave of its barometer on the well-being of the French for the AESIO Foundation. Here are the main findings:
- French morale down slightly in 2025, marked by a generational divide
The year 2025 is characterized by a weakening sense of mental well-being among the French population. The proportion of those who consider themselves to be in a “very good” or “excellent” state of mental health falls by 4 points in one year, from 43% in 2024 to 39%.
The generational factor appears to be central in explaining inequalities in psychological health:
- Nearly a third of the under-35s (28%) say their mental health is average or poor, a proportion twice as high as that of the over-65s (15%), a relatively unaffected age group.
- The weight of responsibilities also plays a role: caregivers are more exposed to psychological suffering (30% versus 20% for non-caregivers).
- Similarly, the presence of a loved one in psychological distress triples the probability of feeling bad about oneself (33% versus 13%).
The proportion of French people who say they have experienced episodes of psychological distress over the past twelve months remains stable, but at a high level: 55%, of whom 16% regularly and 39% occasionally. Young people are particularly affected (63% of those under 35 are concerned, compared with only 36% of those aged 65 and over). In terms of exposure to psychological suffering, the difference between men and women is narrowing (53% vs. 57%), suggesting a narrowing of the gender gap on the subject compared to 2024 (respectively 42% of men and 63% of women were concerned).
2. Limited recourse to mental health professionals and persistent taboo as a barrier
While the majority of the population (55%) claim to have experienced mental distress in the past year, less than a third (28%) have consulted a professional. This recourse is nevertheless more frequent among those who suffer on a regular basis (42%) than among those whose suffering is occasional (22%). Women under 35 also appear more inclined to seek follow-up care (43%, +15pts over the average).
The main reason given by those who don’t seek help is that they believe they don’t need it (50%). This perception varies according to profile: 57% of men cite this reason, versus 44% of women; 66% of senior citizens cite this reason, versus 46% of young people under 35. Added to this subjective cause is the more objective constraint of lack of financial means – cited by 29% of French people. Finally, 21% cite the fear of calling in a professional. This last dimension illustrates the persistent weight of the taboo surrounding mental health: 72% of French people consider that consulting a specialist remains a difficult subject to discuss – a figure that has remained stable since the first wave of the survey – and 65% feel that this approach is still socially ill-perceived.
3. Collective recognition of the importance of mental health, but very unequal vigilance regarding one’s own well-being
Despite the weight of the taboo, more than a majority of French people recognize the importance of mental health and the issues involved:
- 65% believe that psychological suffering can affect anyone
- 64% consider psychological well-being as essential as physical well-being
- 63% believe that mental well-being is essential to good health.
Alongside this theoretical awareness, almost one French person in two (47%) admits that they do not pay attention to their mental well-being in practice, a figure that has remained stable since 2023. However, a majority would like to make progress in this area (34%), while a minority (13%) remain indifferent. On this point, men under 35 appear particularly detached (56% admit to not paying attention to their mental health, versus 42% of their female counterparts).
Also, 35% of French people say they “completely agree” that mental health is a priority public health issue, echoing its designation as a Great National Cause 2025. However, only 29% consider that this government initiative has had a positive impact on the treatment of the subject, and just 37% consider that mental health is well taken care of by the French healthcare system, a steady decline of 7 points since 2021.
4. A widespread feeling of concern for mental well-being, impacted by current events
The mental health of young people is a major concern: 82% of French people express concern for this generation, whatever their age, level of education or parental status. This consensus reflects both the importance attached by the French to the younger generation, and the association made in the collective imagination between youth and a certain psychological fragility. The level of concern also remains high for the mental well-being of the elderly (78%). The mental well-being of the French population is also a major concern for 77% of French people, an increase of 12 points in four years (62% in 2021).
The socio-economic and geopolitical environment is a corollary or cause of this widespread feeling of anxiety, and acts as an aggravating factor. In September 2025, 80% of French people feel that current events have had a negative impact on their psychological state, an increase of 20 points in four years. Political instability, economic tensions and international conflicts (Ukraine, Middle East) may explain this climate of generalized anxiety.
