Concerning Mental Health Levels Place Ireland at Bottom of EU Rankings

Laya healthcare, part of AXA draws insights from the Global AXA Mind Health report to benchmark Ireland’s mental health.

Laya healthcare, leveraging the global insights of the annual AXA Mind Health Report, today launched the Irish results which reveals concerning mental health statistics in Ireland. The extensive study highlights that 48% of the Irish population reported they are struggling or languishing—a state marked by a lack of vitality, zest, and a pervasive feeling of stagnation. Ireland has the lowest average score in relation to Mind Health Index among the nine European countries surveyed*. Switzerland reports significantly better mental health outcomes as the highest scoring EU country where 37% are struggling or languishing.

 

The report, based on insights from 17,000 participants across 16 countries, underscores that mental health remains a top priority worldwide, with one in three individuals experiencing at least one mental health condition (32%). As the leading Health & Wellbeing provider in Ireland, laya healthcare, now part of AXA, can benchmark Irish mental health against this global data and trends for the first time.

 

According to the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), in Ireland, 75% of adults are potentially facing mental health difficulties, affected by anxiety, stress or depression even mildly, compared to the EU average (69%). Young Irish adults are particularly vulnerable, 43% of those aged 18-24 and 44% of those aged 25-34 are potentially affected by severe or more extreme levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.

 

Key Findings: Ireland's Mental Health at a Glance

  • Digital Reliance:  Young adults are increasingly using digital sources for mental health information. Over half (57%) of 18–24-year-olds use AI apps, and 41% of 25-34 year olds do the same. This, coupled with the fact that nearly a quarter (24%) of Irish respondents use social media for mental health information raises serious concerns about misinformation, delayed access to professional care, and the overall impact of unverified digital sources.
  • Workplace Stressors: A significant 51% of Irish professionals cite their salary level as negatively impacting their mental wellbeing, reflecting concerns about financial security and the cost of living. Ireland ranks 6th within EU countries in the report for salary level impacting mental health. Workload and deadlines also contribute to mental health challenges for 48% of workers. 
  • Sick Leave Impact: 31% of Irish working population have taken sick leave due to mental or psychological health issues in the past year, highlighting the impact of mental wellbeing on workforce productivity. Ireland scored second highest out of the EU countries surveyed for sick leave, with Turkey ranking first (43%) and Belgium ranking third (30%).
  • Mirroring global trends: A significant 78% of Irish respondents report that multiple factors are negatively impacting their mental health, indicating the complexity of the challenges they face. The top five factors impacting mental health in Ireland mirror those seen globally: uncertainty about the future (56%), financial instability and job insecurity (55%), constant exposure to negative news (48%), loneliness (44%), and social and political unrest (39%).

 

Nicole Paulie, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Lead at laya healthcare’s 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme (MWSP), commented: “The AXA Mind Health report mirrors the laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing research over the last five years, highlighting the growing mental health needs of adults in Ireland. Understanding these needs and challenges is crucial for providing effective, immediate support and promoting long-term wellbeing.”

 

 

Irish Employees Face Significant Workplace Stress

A substantial 78% of Irish employees report at least one impact of workplace stress in their daily lives. Common issues include difficulty sleeping (40%), increased irritability and mood swings (34%), and physical symptoms like headaches (34%). Workplace stress also impacts employers in the workplace, with 30% of employees experiencing decreased motivation and productivity, and 10% reporting increased absenteeism or lateness.

 

Addressing the growing need for mental health support, Erika O’Leary, Director of People, Culture and Legal at laya healthcare, states: "Having access to a report like this provides valuable insights into the key factors impacting mental wellbeing in Ireland, including workplace stress. As leaders in this space, we are excited to leverage these insights to enhance our innovative solutions and resources, supporting individuals and organizations in building a more resilient and mentally healthy society."

 

Supports and Self-Management

 

The substantial Mind Health report reveals that 43% of Irish individuals that currently suffer from a mental health condition seek professional mental health support, while 41% actively self-manage their conditions. This is compared the European average of 46% seeking professional help and 35% self-managing. Healthcare professionals are the leading source of information (57%), followed by online resources (44%) and family and friends (36%).

 

Laya healthcare's data from 2024 mirrors this trend as it shows almost 25,000 interactions (24,714) with its immediate and confidential support benefit, the 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme (MWSP), averaging almost 65 interactions a day.

 

Dr. Imren Sterno, Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist at AXA Health, added: "Examining mental health on a global scale provides valuable insights into the factors influencing wellbeing and emerging trends. Understanding these trends allows us to develop effective strategies to support individuals and communities.”

 

Explore the findings and the full report at www.layahealthcare.ie/mind-health/