AXA Mind Health Report : Mental health continues to deteriorate around the world

Global mental health remains a concern: a further deterioration

The Mind Health Index (MHI) is an index created by researchers from a questionnaire of about fifty questions that measures mental health in the world by taking into account a number of very varied factors (symptoms of psychological distress, the quality of social relationships, etc.). It identifies 4 types of individuals: people who are flourishing, people who are getting by, people who are languishing and people who are struggling.  The latter are characterised by a probable absence of well-being in most areas which leads to psychological distress and an change in psychosocial faculties. In 2024, the MHI shows that the state of mental health is not improving: 25% are considered to be flourshing (+1pt), 32% who are getting by (-1pt), 29% who are langushing (+1pt) and 14% who are struggling with their mental health (-1pt).

The DASS scores used to assess a suspicion of Depression, Anxiety and Stress are also very worrying and are deteriorating. The proportion of people likely to suffer from depression is increasing (47% compared to 44% in 2023), the same is true for those likely to suffer from stress (64% compared to 62% in 2023). As for anxiety, it has reached a record level: 23% of people are likely to suffer from it, compared to 20% in 2023 and 17% in 2022. Overall, a quarter of the global population is potentially affected by severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress (compared to 23% in 2023).

And almost one in three respondents say they currently suffer from a mental health problem (32%): although this proportion remains unchanged compared to 2023, it is important to remember that in 2022, 27% of respondents said they suffered from a mental health problem.

These 3 different indicators (MHI, DASS and self-reported mental problems), even if they are relatively different, allow us to conclude that the current trend would probably lead to a deterioration in mental health worldwide.

At the same time, we can see that the younger generations and women are more likely to be in turmoil

Already in the eye of the storm in 2023, the mental health status of younger generations aged 18 to 24 is not improving. More than 2 in 5 young people (42%) are affected by severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, and a similar proportion (44%) say they themselves are currently suffering from a mental health problem.

Equally worrying is the state of mental health of 25–34-year-olds which is deteriorating this year: 37% are said to be affected by severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress, a significant increase of 8 points compared to 2023 and 42% say they themselves currently suffer from a mental health problem, an increase of 4 points in one year.

Gender inequality persists: only 23% of women are considered to be fulfilled in the MHI compared to 27% of men. When it comes to current mental health issues (34% of women vs. 31% of men) or symptoms related to severe depression, anxiety, and stress (27% of women vs. 24% of men), once again, women are more likely to be over-represented. However, men's mental health status is also deteriorating this year.

Certain factors seem to contribute negatively to the state of mental health around the world

76% of people say that multiple factors affect their mental health: 5 factors on average.

• Financial instability and job insecurity (53%), 
• Uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world (53%), 
• Constant exposure to negative news in the media (45%), 
• Socio-political unrest (42%), 
• Loneliness and social isolation (40%).

The excessive use of social networks and digital technology is likely to have a negative impact on the mental health of young adults (18-24 years old). More than one in two young people (52%) say that excessive use of these media has a negative impact on their mental health, compared to 36% of the general population. At the same time, while young people say that social media can be a substitute for physical interactions (52%), it is also a way for them to build new relationships (51%). In addition, they are an important source of information for nearly one in two young people (47%).

The level of information on mental health and the means to better care for it is quite good but needs to be improved

A large majority of those surveyed generally feel well informed on the subject of mental health: what to do if they believe they are suffering from a mental health problem (71%), which health professionals to consult if necessary (71%), the symptoms that should alert them (70%), the risk factors (69%), what to do if they think that one of their loved ones suffers from a mental health problem (66%).

However, less than half of respondents feel well informed (47%) about these five aspects, which are truly fundamental aspects.

Globally, most people trust their family and friends if they need mental health support (66%). In addition, if they need to express themselves about concerns or problems related to their mental health, most do so (78%): it is first to family that people turn (52%), then friends (38%) and health professionals (21%). Few remain silent (22%), with the exception of people considered to be in great difficulty (MHI): 31% of them do not express their concerns.

In the workplace many irritations to be resolved and an expectation by employees for support from the company

The level of stress and its impacts are far from negligible, which translates in particular into physical and psychological symptoms. More than one in two employees experience a significant level of stress (53%, scores 6-10). Women (55%) and younger people (61%) are once again more likely to report stress at work.

Employees affected by stress at work report experiencing 3 impacts on average: first sleep disorders (38%) and physical symptoms (32%), but also mood swings and increased irritability (30%).

The proportion of sick leave due to mental health problems is increasing. 27% of employees say they have been on sick leave at least once in the last 12 months because of problems related to their mental health, a worrying figure and an increase of 4 points.

The professional factors that have an impact on employees' mental health are very diverse. Leading the way is the level of salary, more than one in two rate this aspect as having a negative impact on their mental health (54%), followed by workload (52%), work-life balance (51%), job stability (48%) and management style (48%).

To improve their mental health, employees expect real support in the workplace. Nearly 2 out of 5 employees consider that the lack of access to mental health resources in the workplace has a negative impact on their mental health (41%). This result highlights the need to improve the level of support and to offer more resources to support employees. Moreover, more than one in two employees expects such support from their employer (52%). These expectations are particularly pronounced among young people (59%) and people with particularly high levels of stress (61%).

Learn more about the Mind Health Index

The Mind Health Index (MHI) is a proactive tool for assessing and promoting mental well-being. As part of the AXA Mind Health Report, it assesses the mental state of individuals. 

How is the index constructed?
The index is based on 50 questions relating to 13  distinct factors affecting mental health:

• Modifiers: These are usually areas over which people have little control: the quality of the local health system, for example, or current and past mental health issues.
• Positive actions: These are actions that people can take to improve their mental well-being: physical activity, lifestyle, diet, for example. 
• Outcomes: This is the combination of positive action and moderator outcomes. They can be positive (satisfaction with their current life, happiness) or negative (anxiety, stress, depression).

From difficulty to fulfillment
The index then classifies people into one of four categories: from mental difficulty to thriving. 

• Struggling: Their lack of well-being in most areas is likely to lead to difficulties. They are prone to emotional and psycho-social distress. 
• Languishing: Lethargy represents the absence of positive well-being. If you vegetate, you are not functioning at full capacity, you may feel unmotivated and have trouble concentrating. People who are longing are at increased risk of developing a mental illness. 
• Getting by: These are people who may have some zones of well-being, but not enough to reach the state of fulfillment. People who thrive may experience a diminished sense of well-being compared to those who thrive.
• Flourishing: Flourishing is the pinnacle of good mental health (social, psychological, and emotional well-being).

Download the full report on axa.com

About this survey

Ipsos survey for AXA conducted from October 8 to November 11, 2024 among 17000 people in 16 countries around the world (France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United States, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand and the Philippines).