Why is youth mental health a national priority?

A silent health crisis: alarming statistics

Recent data are unequivocal. In 2024, a study by Santé Publique France revealed that 13% of children aged 6 to 11 have a probable mental health disorder. Among adolescents and young adults, the figures are even more concerning: suicidal thoughts doubled between 2014 and 2021, increasing from 5% to 11% (Santé Publique France, 2024). Additionally, suicide remains the leading cause of death among 15- to 35-year-olds in France, with nearly 8,300 deaths annually (INSERM, 2023).

These figures clearly show that young people are particularly vulnerable. This silent crisis has profound consequences, not only on their overall health but also on their ability to fully integrate into society and the workforce.

Consequences for education and employment

Youth mental health directly influences their educational path and professional integration. According to a survey by the National Youth Observatory (2023), nearly 30% of students in vocational training report symptoms of anxiety or depression. These psychological disorders lead to a significant drop in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and a higher risk of dropping out.

On the professional level, young people with mental health issues face greater difficulties in entering the labor market. Anxiety and depression, for instance, affect their ability to manage stress, work in teams, and maintain consistent productivity (Santé Publique France, 2023). These findings highlight the importance of preventing and treating these disorders from an early age to avoid long-term consequences on their future.

A considerable economic and societal impact

The mental health of young people is not only an individual concern—it is also a major economic issue. In France, mental disorders account for the largest share of health insurance expenses, exceeding 23 billion euros per year (Santé Publique France, 2023). These costs include medical care, work absences, and productivity losses.

Beyond economic considerations, the societal consequences are also significant. Young people struggling with mental health issues are more likely to experience social isolation, have conflictual relationships, or engage in risky behaviors. These phenomena contribute to weakening social cohesion and exacerbating inequalities.

The national response: initiatives to be strengthened

In response to these findings, the French government has taken major steps to make mental health a national priority. In 2025, mental health was declared a “Grande Cause Nationale”, with key objectives:

Awareness campaigns and destigmatization

One of the first steps is to destigmatize mental health disorders. National campaigns, broadcasted on television, social media, and in schools, aim to encourage young people to seek help without fear. For example, the “Talk to Feel Better” initiative, launched in 2023, reached over 5 million young people with clear messages on the importance of mental health.

Strengthening care services

To meet the growing demand, specialized youth mental health centers have been opened in several regions. These centers offer free or low-cost consultations, emergency psychological services, and tailored cognitive therapy programs. Starting in January 2025, every French citizen will also be entitled to 12 free therapy sessions per year, which can be scheduled directly with a psychologist without needing a prior medical prescription.

Additionally, the number of school psychologists increased by 30% between 2022 and 2024, allowing for better detection of mental health issues from primary school onward. The government also plans to digitize certain services to provide accessible support at all times.

Integrating prevention into schools

In addition to increasing the number of school psychologists, school curricula now include specific modules on emotion management, resilience and interpersonal communication. These initiatives aim to equip young people with the skills to handle everyday stress and prevent mental health disorders before they become severe.

Studies have shown that these programs, when properly implemented, reduce anxiety symptoms by nearly 20% among young people (National Youth Observatory, 2024).

Conclusion: A necessary national priority

Youth mental health is at the heart of contemporary societal challenges. The alarming statistics, combined with the consequences on education, employment, and society as a whole, fully justify treating this issue as a national priority. While significant progress has been made, much remains to be done to provide every young person with the means to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. The European MIND project, coordinated by ADICE, aligns with this approach by offering innovative tools to support young people in the vocational education and training sector.