The sixth annual AXA Mind Health Report found that more than one in three people in the UK are impacted by poor mental health
Nearly half (46%) of respondents turn to AI for mental health support, but concerns about potential risks persist
AI is also increasingly used in the workplace, bringing benefits but also raising concerns among employees

The sixth annual AXA Mind Health Report has revealed that the UK has the worst mental health in Europe and ranks third worst in the world, with more than one in three people impacted by poor mental health.

Nearly 30% of those experiencing mental health issues report severe or more extreme levels of depression, anxiety or stress, highlighting the ongoing crisis facing the nation.

The report reveals a range of factors negatively impacting mental health, with half of those questioned citing uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world as the biggest issue.

The alarming figures in this year’s report also highlight the barriers people with mental health concerns face when seeking support. 60% say they haven’t visited a mental health professional in the past 12 months and 25% fear being stigmatised or judged negatively for doing so.

This has potentially led to people using technology as a replacement for medical help, with almost half (46%) of respondents turning to AI tools for mental health support, although this is below the global average of 63%.

A third (33%) use AI tools to self-manage their mental health and 42% trust them more than a mental health professional for guidance.

Opinions on AI-generated mental health advice are divided - 57% found it helpful, while 43% said they were dissatisfied with the advice received. Worryingly, more than a quarter (27%) revealed that some AI recommendations led them to engage in harmful behaviour.

It’s deeply concerning to see that the UK ranks as having the worst mental health in Europe. Our 2026 AXA Mind Health Report shows that over a third of the population is impacted by mental health issues, and many people still face barriers to getting the support they need.

These aren’t just statistics – the numbers represent real lives and real struggles that deserve our attention and compassion. Many people turn to digital tools for help and, while AI can be useful and quick to access, it’s no substitute for the empathy and expertise that healthcare professionals provide.

That’s why as a health insurer we provide our members with fast access to mental health support and encourage them to access these services as early as needed, to help prevent people feeling worse or reaching crisis point.

Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK & Ireland

AI in the workplace

The mixed view of the support that AI provides for mental health is also consistent with how people view the influence of AI in the workplace and for some people it is adding to their worries.

An additional survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll.com, explored the impact of AI on the workplace and found that a third of the people surveyed are concerned about the influence of it on their career. While 29% feel anxious and pessimistic about the use of the tools in the workplace.

As a result, around one in five (21%) are considering switching careers to roles in industries they view as more future-proof, such as technology (30%) or healthcare (20%).

Despite these concerns, more than a quarter (27%) already use AI at work, with 21% engaging with it multiple times a week.

Research (51%), administrative tasks (40%) and data analysis and insights generation (36%) are the most common uses for it in the workplace.

AI is transforming the way we work and it’s important for organisations to help their people develop the skills needed to thrive in this changing environment. Just as important is making sure that employees’ mental health and wellbeing is protected and looked after so that everyone feels supported, heard and valued during this transition.

Tara Foley

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Legal notes

About AXA UK

AXA Insurance UK plc registered in England and Wales under registered number 078950 and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority under Financial Conduct Authority registration number 202312. Registered office is 20 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0BG.

AXA UK is part of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 147,000 employees serving 94 million clients in 50 countries. In 2023, IFRS revenues amounted to Euro 102.7 billion and underlying earnings to Euro 7.6 billion. AXA had Euro 844 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023.

In the UK & Ireland, AXA operates through a number of business units including: AXA Insurance, AXA Health and AXA Ireland. AXA UK & Ireland employs around 10,000 staff.

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AXA Mind Health Report finds the UK ranks as having the worst mental health in Europe