Flourishing, Languishing, or Struggling? Global Mental Health Status in 2026
The AXA Mind Health Report 2026, which surveyed 19,000 people across 18 countries and found that global mental health continues to decline. Nearly 46% of respondents are either "languishing" or "struggling" mentally, up from 2022, while fewer people report flourishing.
- Mental health is worsening globally.
- 46% of people are struggling or languishing.
- 31% report having a mental health condition.
- Severe stress is the most common issue (22%), followed by depression (14%) and anxiety (5%).
- Young adults are the most affected.
- Among people aged 18–34, 59% are struggling or languishing.
- Adults under 35 are more than twice as likely to experience severe depression, anxiety, or stress compared with older adults.
- Women continue to report poorer mental health than men.
- Only 20% of women say they are flourishing, compared with 25% of men.
- However, men's mental health has also declined, narrowing the gap.
- Many people don't seek professional help.
- The biggest barrier (36%) is believing their condition isn't serious enough for medical attention.
- Other barriers include cost, lack of time, stigma, and limited access to healthcare providers.
- Technology has both benefits and risks.
- About 75% say excessive screen time negatively affects their daily lives.
- Younger adults average six hours of non-work screen time daily and report much higher levels of loneliness.
- AI is increasingly used for mental health support (63% have tried it), but 28% say it led them toward harmful behavior, highlighting the need for safe, clinically supervised use.
- Workplace stress is a major contributor.
- More than 70% experience stress-related effects from work, including sleep problems, irritability, and reduced productivity.
- Nearly one in four have taken sick leave because of mental health issues.
- While almost half feel uncomfortable discussing mental health at work, 84% would participate in employer-sponsored wellness programs if available.
Sadly but not surprisingly, mental health is deteriorating worldwide, especially among younger adults and women. Financial pressures, workplace stress, uncertainty about the future, and unhealthy digital habits are major contributors. The authors argue that improving mental health will require greater awareness, earlier access to professional care, responsible use of AI, and stronger workplace support through open conversations and accessible wellness programs.
Read more here!
https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2026/june/mental-health-survey-axa/
Resource of the Month: Suicide Hotline (988) - NYC HEALTH
988 is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance use support, information and referrals.
https://988lifeline.org/
You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat.
Behavioral health professionals there can link you to the services you need.
988 counselors are available 24/7. They can provide support in over 200 languages over the phone.
Text and chat support is available in English and Spanish.
Health insurance is not required. Depending on your phone/text service, you may be charged a fee.
When to Contact 988
One in five New Yorkers suffer from a mental health problem or substance use disorder, and too many go untreated. Mental illness and substance use disorders are both treatable, but only if those in need can connect to care. 988 is an easy starting point for New Yorkers to find mental health and substance use support.
988 could help you or someone you know if you are:
☀ Worried about the negative impacts drugs or alcohol are having on you.
☀ Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and struggling with daily activities.
☀ Looking for mental health or substance use providers in your area.
☀ Having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself.
☀ Concerned about changes in the behavior of someone you care about.
Services:
988's counselors and peer specialists are trained to listen to you and provide the following services:
☀ Short-term counseling - This counseling provides support, coping strategies, and techniques for maintaining healthy living while you wait to receive longer-term care. Short-term counseling can vary in frequency and length depending on the need.
☀ Suicide prevention and other crisis intervention - 988 may conduct risk assessments to determine the appropriate crisis intervention service, including: Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT); & Outpatient detox
☀ Peer support - Peer Support Specialists have been trained to use their own experiences with mental illness and behavioral health care to support others through difficult or crisis situations. Peer Support Specialists provide appropriate, compassionate and effective support, crisis diversion and information and referral. This service is intended for callers who specifically request peer support or otherwise may benefit from the service.
☀ Information and referral - 988 will provide information and referrals for a variety of mental health and substance use services. Referrals are determined based on the specific needs of the individual — including the most convenient location, language needs and insurance requirements.
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