Good mind health lets us think, feel and act in a way that allows us to enjoy life, overcome challenges that come our way and be more productive. And when we struggle with ill mental health, it has the opposite effect. In 2026:

51% of Brits are not in a positive state of mental wellbeing¹

We want people, families, small business owners, and businesses to flourish

We spoke to 19,000 people to understand the state of mind health across 16 different countries, including the Americas, Europe and Asia for the AXA Mind Health Study. Now in its sixth year, it identifies how people are feeling and where they sit on the Mind Health Meter, from Struggling – associated with emotional distress - to Flourishing – the pinnacle of good mind health.

An AXA meter with 4 measurements which are Struggling, languishing, getting by and Flourishing. The meter is pointing at Getting By.

Us Brits have the worst mind health in Europe

People in the UK are more likely to be struggling with their mind health compared to any other country surveyed, aside from Japan and South Korea.

Illustration of a person feeding his dog with a sad expression in front of a group of 4 people who are socializing on the grass.

More than 1 in 5 people are Struggling

22% of people in the UK are currently struggling and 29% are languishing.

Illustration of three people, one man and two women, standing in front of a pink background. They appear to be having a conversation while holding papers and tablets

More than 1 in 3 people are impacted by mental health issues

Depression (22%) and anxiety, phobia or PTSD (21%) are the most common conditions.

Worried woman sitting on floor with a cat at home

Half of people are negatively impacted by uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world

Trouble sleeping, stress, lack of confidence and loss of interest are common consequences.

Read the global AXA mind health study

Nurturing your mind health and how to deal with difficult feelings

Anyone can experience feelings of stress and anxiety. And it shows up differently depending on the circumstance and our ability to navigate it. It’s important to proactively look after our minds and seek help when the feelings become too much. And, just like adults, children and young people can experience a mental health condition. Dr Joshua Harwood, Child Clinical Psychologist, explains what signs parents should look for.

Managing stress, anxiety and depression Read AXA Health's support articles. Supporting children’s mental health Read AXA Health's articles.

Mind health in the workplace

Data shows that those who believe their company care for the mental health of its employees and is taking action to help them are almost 2 times more likely to have flourishing mind health¹. Take a look at our suite of webinars, mental health guides and wellbeing programmes.