Mental health awareness rising in PH, but action still lags
While mental health awareness in the Philippines is on the rise, many Filipinos remain unsure of how to respond effectively, leaving them vulnerable to worsening conditions, a new study has found.
The latest AXA Mind Health study reveals that 65 percent of Filipinos report being aware of mental health issues, placing the country among the highest globally in terms of awareness. However, only about one-third of those surveyed said they knew what steps to take when dealing with their own or someone else’s mental health challenges.
“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,” Paula Cheng, head of research and development at AXA Philippines’ Mind You, said.
“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,” she added.
Among the risks, Cheng said, include the long-term emotional and economic effects if mental issues are left unnoticed or unaddressed, which, in turn, can affect personal well-being, productivity and overall quality of life.
The AXA study also found that Filipinos who are well-informed about mental health are more likely to experience positive mental health outcomes and navigate challenges more effectively.
In a bid to address this gap, AXA Philippines has launched a free and anonymous online mental health self-check tool.
The tool provides users with a general overview of their emotional well-being, helping them understand their current mental state and identify areas that may need attention. By answering a series of questions, users receive a Mind Health Index score, which ranges from 0 to 100 and is classified into four categories: Flourishing, Getting By, Languishing and Struggling.
When people don’t know how to respond to mental health challenges, they may delay getting” support—impacting both their personal wellbeing and their livelihoods,” AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil said.
“Filipinos who are more informed are better equipped to take action and to thrive. This is why we believe it’s crucial to move from awareness toward practical solutions that empower individuals to care for their mind health,” he added.
