Mental health of young adults in Normandy (France): what the data really tells us

Normandy and youth mental health: numbers that matter

National conversations about youth mental health tend to stay broad. But the reality on the ground, territory by territory, rarely gets the attention it deserves.
A survey conducted among students at the universities of Caen, Le Havre, and Rouen reveals some striking findings:

• 65% of students in Normandy show signs of anxiety or depression
• 45% report low self-esteem
• 1 in 5 students rates their quality of life as poor

These three figures are worth pausing on; not to alarm, but to name a reality that many people are living without being able to articulate it.

When you dig into the causes, three factors consistently come up: academics (93%), health (51%), and financial stress (48%). These are not minor concerns. They are the foundational pillars of adult life, and for a significant share of young people in Normandy, they are all under pressure at the same time.

What nobody's talking about: the healthcare gap making it worse

Recognizing that you're struggling is one thing. Finding someone to talk to in a reasonable amount of time is another.
In Normandy, access to mental health professionals varies significantly across the region:

• In the Eure and Manche departments: only 80 psychologists per 100,000 residents (below the national average)
• Region-wide: fewer than 1 child psychiatrist per 100,000 residents under 15, compared to a national average of 1.7

 
In practice, this means months-long wait times, referrals that lead nowhere, and people who eventually stop looking for help altogether.

It's precisely in that gap, between recognizing a problem and finding proper care, that coaching can play a meaningful role.

Coaching and mental health: let's be clear

I want to be upfront about something, because it's a question a lot of people have and too many articles sidestep.
Coaching is not therapy. It doesn't replace a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you're experiencing severe psychological distress, seeing a doctor is the first priority. That said, coaching addresses real needs that neither doctors nor therapists necessarily cover:

• You feel stuck, but you're not sure exactly why.
  Coaching helps you put words to what's not working, identify patterns that keep repeating, and find clarity where things feel foggy.

• You're already in therapy but struggling to move forward day-to-day.
  Coaching focuses on action: building self-confidence, managing stress, navigating relationships, finding your footing at work or in school. It's complementary, not competitive.

• You're not in crisis, but you're not okay either.
  A lot of people live in that in-between space. And that's often where coaching is most useful -- before things escalate, and as a foundation for real, lasting stability.

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Why does coaching work?
 

What I offer (and who it's for)

My name is Alexiane Tessier. I'm a certified personal development coach based in Caen, and I work with clients across France and internationally.

In my practice, I work with adults (young professionals, students, people navigating career transitions) who are going through periods of self-doubt, overwhelm, or a loss of direction.
 
What my clients consistently come away with:

• Clarity on what they actually want (not what's expected of them, but what genuinely matters to them!)
• Practical tools to manage stress, difficult emotions, and draining relationships
• Self-confidence built through action (not empty affirmations)
• But above all, a space to speak freely (without judgment, without minimization)

 
I work in individual sessions, either in person or remotely via video call.
The first conversation is free and comes with no commitment. It's a chance to see whether this approach is right for you, and whether I'm the right person to support you.

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How to know if coaching is right for you (and when)

Sources :

Université de Caen Normandie / ORS-CREAI Normandie

Mutualité Française Normandie — Baromètre santé-social 2025