Global insights of the annual AXA Mind Health Report reveal concerning mental health statistics for Ireland, health insurance provider Laya healthcare has warned.
The company this week launched the Irish results of the report, which found that 48 per cent of the Irish population reported they are struggling or languishing — a state marked by a lack of vitality, zest, and a pervasive feeling of stagnation.
Ireland has the lowest average score in relation to Mind Health Index among the nine European countries surveyed, comprising France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Switzerland, where 37 per cent are struggling or languishing, was the highest scoring EU country in the report.
The report, based on insights from 17,000 participants across 16 countries, underscores that mental health remains a top priority worldwide, with one in three individuals experiencing at least one mental health condition (32 per cent ).
As a leading health and wellbeing provider in Ireland, laya healthcare, now part of AXA, can benchmark Irish mental health against this global data and trends for the first time.
According to the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS ), in Ireland, 75 per cent of adults are potentially facing mental health difficulties, affected by anxiety, stress or depression even mildly, compared to the EU average (69 per cent ). Young Irish adults are particularly vulnerable, 43 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 and 44 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 potentially affected by severe or more extreme levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.
Ireland’s mental health at a glance
Digital reliance: Young adults are increasingly using digital sources for mental health information. Over half (57 per cent ) of 18 to 24-year-olds use AI apps, along with 41 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds. This, coupled with the fact that nearly a quarter (24 per cent ) of Irish respondents use social media for mental health information, raises serious concerns about misinformation, delayed access to professional care, and the overall impact of unverified digital sources.
Workplace stressors: A significant 51 per cent of Irish professionals cite their salary level as negatively impacting their mental wellbeing, reflecting concerns about financial security and the cost of living. Ireland ranks sixth within EU countries in the report for salary level impacting mental health. Workload and deadlines also contribute to mental health challenges for 48 per cent of workers.
Sick leave impact: Thirty one per cent of the Irish working population have taken sick leave due to mental or psychological health issues in the past year, highlighting the impact of mental wellbeing on workforce productivity. Ireland scored second highest out of the EU countries surveyed for sick leave.
Mirroring global trends: Some 78 per cent of Irish respondents report that multiple factors are negatively impacting their mental health, indicating the complexity of the challenges they face. The top five factors impacting mental health in Ireland mirror those seen globally, namely uncertainty about the future (56 per cent ), financial instability and job insecurity (55 per cent ), constant exposure to negative news (48 per cent ), loneliness (44 per cent ), and social and political unrest (39 per cent ).
“The AXA Mind Health report mirrors the laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing research over the last five years, highlighting the growing mental health needs of adults in Ireland,” said Nicole Paulie, Chartered counselling psychologist and clinical lead at laya healthcare’s 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme (MWSP ). “Understanding these needs and challenges is crucial for providing effective, immediate support and promoting long-term wellbeing.”
Irish employees face significant workplace stress
A substantial 78 per cent of Irish employees report at least one impact of workplace stress in their daily lives. Common issues include difficulty sleeping (40 per cent ), increased irritability and mood swings (34 per cent ), and physical symptoms like headaches (34 per cent ). Workplace stress also impacts employers in the workplace, with 30 per cent of employees experiencing decreased motivation and productivity, and 10 per cent reporting increased absenteeism or lateness.
Supports and self-management
The substantial Mind Health report reveals that 43 per cent of Irish people who currently suffer from a mental health condition seek professional mental health support, while 41 per cent actively self-manage their conditions. This is compared the European average of 46 per cent seeking professional help and 35 per cent self-managing. Healthcare professionals are the leading source of information (57 per cent ), followed by online resources (44 per cent ) and family and friends (36 per cent ).
Laya healthcare’s data from 2024 mirrors this trend as it shows almost 25,000 interactions (24,714 ) with its immediate and confidential support benefit, the 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme (MWSP ), averaging almost 65 interactions a day.
“Examining mental health on a global scale provides valuable insights into the factors influencing wellbeing and emerging trends,” said Dr Imren Sterno, lead consultant clinical psychologist at AXA Health. “Understanding these trends allows us to develop effective strategies to support individuals and communities.”
Explore the findings and the full report at www.layahealthcare.ie/mind-health/
