Young Pinoys worry most about financial, job security–study
Filipinos aged 18 to 34 are experiencing significantly higher levels of stress and mental health problems than their global peers, although they are also among the most proactive in seeking help, a new report found.
In its 2025 Mind Health Report, insurance company AXA said nearly seven in 10 Filipinos experience at least mild forms of anxiety, stress or depression. This was among the highest rates globally.
AXA’s report covered 16 countries. A total of 17,000 respondents aged 18 to 75 years old were interviewed online to come up with an index that could offer deep insights into how adults—especially the younger generation—were coping, adapting and innovating in response to mental health challenges.
In the Philippines, AXA explained that the key triggers of mental health woes of Filipinos were: financial instability and job insecurity (76 percent); uncertainty about the future (70 percent); loneliness and social isolation (58 percent); climate change anxiety (57 percent) and exposure to negative news (55 percent).
That said, AXA reported that Filipinos aged 18 to 34 were more likely than older generations to suffer from severe mental health symptoms.
But the research offered an encouraging finding: young Filipinos are also actively seeking support through digital tools, including those that are powered by artificial intelligence.
AXA said 39 percent of Filipinos in this age group turned to AI-powered mental health tools, well above the global average of 28 percent. At the same time, half of all Filipinos now rely on digital platforms like websites, blogs, forums and social media for mental health support.
“Workplaces play a significant role in both stress and support. The data point to an opportunity for organizations to be part of the solution—by fostering psychologically safe environments, supporting mental health literacy and encouraging open conversations,” the insurer said.
“As more young Filipinos turn to self-guided tools and digital channels for help, the availability of accessible resources for early mental health awareness and care becomes increasingly important,” it added.
