Filipinos are increasingly grappling with overlapping financial, social, and digital pressures that are reshaping mental wellbeing, according to the AXA Mind Health Report 2026 released in partnership with global market research firm Ipsos.
The annual study [1] shows a continued global decline in mental health, with 10 of 16 countries surveyed recording their lowest wellbeing scores since 2021.
Around 46% of respondents globally reported that they are either “struggling” or “languishing,” [2] underscoring what the report describes as a structural and long-term deterioration in psychological health.
IMAGE CREDIT: AXA Philippines
In the Philippines, the report found a slightly improving share of individuals classified as “struggling,” but noted a persistent concern: roughly 31% of Filipinos remain in a languishing state, weighed down largely by financial instability and broader socio-economic pressures.
The findings also highlight how deeply digital life is embedded in Filipino daily routines—particularly among younger users.
About 72% of Filipino youth reported feelings of loneliness or sadness, while average screen time has reached 7.5 hours per day. Nearly all respondents in this group (98%) said heavy digital use has negatively affected their daily lives, citing disrupted sleep, reduced focus, and emotional fatigue.
Beyond lifestyle impacts, the report noted that rising stress and anxiety levels are increasingly spilling over into real-world performance, including higher instances of sick leave and reduced productivity in both work and academic settings.
A notable shift is emerging in how Filipinos cope with these pressures. The report found that 29% of Filipinos regularly use AI-enabled tools for mental health support — higher than the global average of 21% — with usage most prevalent among individuals aged 18 to 34.
This reflects a broader trend of digital-first coping mechanisms, where AI chatbots and wellness platforms are being used for emotional guidance and day-to-day support.
However, the report also raises concerns about this growing reliance. Around 33% of respondents said they felt uneasy after receiving AI-generated mental health guidance, while 25% reported encountering recommendations that led to harmful behavior.
Fintech, AI, and mental health intersect in PH finance
IMAGE CREDIT: Magnific
From a fintech and insurtech perspective, the findings highlight an emerging intersection between digital financial services, AI, and mental wellbeing.
As more Filipinos rely on super apps, e-wallets, and digital banking platforms for everyday transactions, insurers and fintech firms are increasingly exploring embedded wellness tools and AI-driven customer support systems as part of broader financial protection ecosystems.
AXA Philippines said affordability remains the primary barrier to accessing mental health services locally, unlike in other markets where awareness is the bigger challenge. The insurer has rolled out digital tools such as its Mind Health Self-Check tool and expanded coverage for health plans and mental health consultations, aiming to integrate wellbeing into everyday financial protection products.
“This year’s findings show that Filipinos are carrying multiple pressures at once and still trying to keep up with school, work, and daily life,” said Ayman Kandil, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. “Support cannot wait for burnout or crisis.”
The report underscores a growing consensus among financial institutions that mental wellbeing is becoming a structural economic issue — one that increasingly intersects with productivity, financial resilience, and the future design of digital financial services in the Philippines.
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[1] Methodology: The study was carried out in collaboration with IPSOS among 19,000 adults aged 18 to 75 across 18 countries, between 12 January and 16 February 2026.
[2] The AXA Mind Health Index, a key component of the report, categorizes individuals into four distinct mental well-being states: Flourishing, the pinnacle of positive mind health; Getting by, where individuals show some areas of well-being but not enough to flourish; Languishing, the absence of positive well-being; and Struggling, the most vulnerable state, marked by challenges in most areas of life.
