Mental health awareness is up. Action? Not so much

As more Filipinos set health and wellness goals at the start of the year, mental health has become a growing part of the conversation. But while awareness is high, knowing what to do remains a challenge.

The latest AXA Mind Health Study found that 65 percent of Filipinos say they are aware of mental health issues, placing the Philippines among the most aware countries globally. However, only about one in three respondents said they know how to respond when faced with mental health challenges, whether their own or those of others.

Paula Ferrer Cheng, head of research and development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ mental health partner, said awareness alone is not enough.

“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,” Cheng said.

Cheng warned that the gap between awareness and action carries real risks, as unresolved mental health issues can lead to long-term emotional and economic consequences.

The AXA study showed that people who consider themselves well-informed about mental health — those who know the warning signs, available support, and how to respond — are more likely to report positive mental well-being and better overall outcomes.

“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.”

To help address the gap, AXA has launched the Mind Health Self-Check, a free and anonymous digital tool designed to help Filipinos assess their emotional well-being and access practical self-care resources.

The tool evaluates three key areas — current state of mind, skills and beliefs, and lifestyle — before generating a Mind Health Index score ranging from 0 to 100 using AXA’s proprietary methodology. Users are then categorized as flourishing, getting by, languishing, or struggling, offering a clearer picture of their mental state and next steps.

“The findings we see aren’t isolated,” Cheng said. “They reflect deeper strain that builds over time and highlights the need for early, compassionate support.”

A separate study conducted by Mind You involving 15,206 employees found that the top reason for seeking help was simply the need for someone to talk to, cited by 28.01 percent of respondents. The study also showed that 80 percent of help-seeking behavior stemmed from emotional distress rather than clinical diagnosis, pointing to a growing openness toward mental health conversations in the workplace.

“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 said.

“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,” he added.

AXA said its health plans include free mental health counseling, while its Health Max Elite critical illness plan also provides coverage for select mental health conditions.