AXA Study: Most Filipinos Know Mental Health Matters - But Few Know What to Do

AXA's 2025 Mind Health Study shows that while Filipinos are highly aware of mental health issues, many still don't know how to respond when they or others face mental health challenges.

As the new year begins, many are setting intentions for better health, balance, and well-being. Mental health is increasingly part of that conversation. Yet while Filipinos are more aware than ever about mental health, they are unsure about the actions to take.

This insight reflects one of the key findings of the latest AXA Mind Health Study, which shows that the Philippines ranks among the highest globally when it comes to mental health awareness, with 65% of Filipinos stating they are aware of mental health issues. However, the study also reveals a concerning gap: only about a third of those surveyed stated knowing what to actually do when faced with mental health challenges, whether for themselves or others.

Paula Ferrer Cheng, Head of Research and Development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ partner in mental health, states that it is not enough to know what anxiety looks like, people need to know what to do. “Awareness without action leaves people stuck, and in some cases, vulnerable to worsening conditions. That’s why education must go hand-in-hand with any awareness effort. We need to ensure that Filipinos not only recognize mental health issues but also know how to respond. Without that, we risk letting early warning signs escalate into long-term distress.”

According to Cheng, this disconnect between awareness and action poses real risks. Without clear knowledge on how to respond to prevailing mental conditions, the health issues may go unnoticed and result in long-term emotional and economic tolls.

The AXA study found that individuals who are well-informed about mental health -- those who know the signs, available support, and how to respond -- are significantly more likely to report positive mental well-being and experience better outcomes than those who do not consider themselves well-informed.

“Awareness is an important first step, but real progress happens when people know they can take action with the right support,” said Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines. “Guided by our purpose to act for human progress, AXA stands as a partner to Filipinos—helping them know they can take meaningful steps toward better mind health through access to practical, reliable resources and solutions.”

AXA launches the Mind Health Self-Check tool to help Filipinos assess their mental state and access practical self-care resources for better mental health management.

A New Tool for Mental Health Awareness

AXA has committed to helping address this gap through various initiatives, which include the launch of the free and anonymous Mind Health Self-Check tool, an innovative digital tool designed to give individuals a clear, accessible overview of their emotional wellbeing. With a clear understanding of their emotional wellbeing, individuals can better manage their mental state.

The AXA Mind Health Self-Check evaluates three critical areas of a person’s life: Current State of Mind, Skills and Beliefs, and Lifestyle. By answering a set of detailed questions, users receive a single Mind Health Index score, developed using AXA’s proprietary methodology, that ranges from 0 to 100. This score falls under one of four distinct categories:

●       Flourishing (68+): The highest level, indicating excellent emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing.

●       Getting By (57-68): A stable state with some positive aspects, but not fully flourishing.

●       Languishing (43-57): A state with low motivation and wellbeing, signaling the need for improvement.

●       Struggling (<43): Indicates difficulty and distress in many areas, often associated with emotional and psychosocial impairment.

“The findings we see aren’t isolated,” Cheng notes. “They reflect deeper strain that builds over time and highlights the need for early, compassionate support.” In a separate study conducted by Mind You, among 15,206 employees surveyed, the top reason for seeking help was simply the need for someone to talk to (28.01%), showing that connection and safe spaces matter. With 80% of help-seeking driven by emotional distress rather than clinical diagnosis, and growing curiosity about mental health services (6.07%), the findings point to a cultural shift toward empathy and openness at work.

“When people don’t know how to respond to mental health challenges, they may delay getting support—impacting both their personal wellbeing and their livelihoods,” Kandil stressed. “Filipinos who are more informed are better equipped to take action and to thrive. This is why we believe it’s crucial to move from awareness toward practical solutions that empower individuals to care for their mind health. Through tools like the AXA Mind Health Self-Check and comprehensive health plans that safeguard holistic well-being, we aim to be a trusted partner in that journey.”

Check out the AXA Mind Health Self-Check tool to access actionable self-care guides, tips, and advice that can help you build self-awareness and make informed decisions about your mental well-being. To support you beyond awareness, AXA’s health plans offer free mental health counseling, while its latest superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite, provides coverage for select mental health conditions—helping safeguard your well-being at every stage.

To learn more about AXA’s holistic health programs, visit here.