ONLY one-third of Filipinos are aware of mental health issues and know how to deal with them, a study showed.
AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Study, released Thursday, showed that only 65 percent of Filipinos were aware of mental health issues, while an even smaller portion knows how to recognize signs and seek support.
The study noted that individuals who were well-informed about mental health tend to report better overall mental well-being compared to those who were not.
“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,” said Paula Ferrer Cheng, head of research and development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ partner in mental health. “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.”
Cheng added that the gap between awareness and action poses real risks, potentially leading to long-term emotional and economic consequences.
To address the issue, AXA has launched the Mind Health Self-Check tool, a free and anonymous digital platform designed to help Filipinos assess their mental state and access practical self-care resources.
The Mind Health Self-Check gives users an overview of their emotional well-being by evaluating an individual’s current state of mind. Users then receive a Mind Health Index score, developed using AXA’s proprietary methodology, which ranges from zero to 100.
The score falls into one of four categories: flourishing, which means excellent emotional, social, and psychological well-being; getting by, which suggests a generally stable state; languishing, which indicates low motivation; and struggling, which signals significant difficulty and distress.
“Filipinos who are more informed are better equipped to take action and to thrive,” said Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines. “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.”
