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 said they know what to 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, said 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 of how to respond to prevailing mental conditions, 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 take meaningful steps toward better mind health through access to practical, reliable resources and solutions.”
A new tool for mental health awareness
AXA has committed to helping address this gap through various initiatives, including the launch of the free and anonymous Mind Health Self-Check tool, a digital platform designed to give individuals a clear, accessible overview of their emotional well-being. With a clearer understanding of their emotional well-being, 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, ranging from 0 to 100. This score falls under one of four categories:
- Flourishing (68+): Indicates excellent emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
- Getting by (57–68): A stable state with positive aspects, but not fully flourishing.
- Languishing (43–57): Low motivation and well-being, signaling the need for improvement.
- Struggling (<43): Difficulty and distress across many areas, often linked to emotional and psychosocial impairment.
“The findings we see aren’t isolated,” Cheng noted. “They reflect deeper strain that builds over time and highlight the need for early, compassionate support.” In a separate Mind You study of 15,206 employees, the top reason for seeking help was simply the need for someone to talk to (28.01%), underscoring the importance of connection and safe spaces. 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 in the workplace.
“When people don’t know how to respond to mental health challenges, they may delay getting support—impacting both their personal well-being and their livelihoods,” Kandil said. “Filipinos who are more informed are better equipped to take action and to thrive. This is why it’s crucial to move from awareness toward practical solutions that empower individuals to care for their mind health.”
AXA encourages Filipinos to use the Mind Health Self-Check tool to access actionable self-care guides, tips, and advice that can help build self-awareness and inform decisions about mental well-being. To support individuals beyond awareness, AXA’s health plans offer free mental health counseling, while its latest critical illness plan, Health Max Elite, provides coverage for select mental health conditions.
To learn more about AXA’s holistic health programs, visit the AXA Philippines website.
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