As the new year begins, many are setting intentions for better health, balance, and well-being. Mental health is increasingly part of that conversation. Yet while Filipinos are more aware than ever about mental health, they are unsure about the actions to take.
This insight reflects one of the key findings of the latest AXA Mind Health Study, which shows that the Philippines ranks among the highest globally when it comes to mental health awareness, with 65% of Filipinos stating they are aware of mental health issues. However, the study also reveals a concerning gap: only about a third of those surveyed stated knowing what to actually do when faced with mental health challenges, whether for themselves or others.
Paula Ferrer Cheng, Head of Research and Development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ partner in mental health, states that it is not enough to know what anxiety looks like, people need to know what to do. “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. 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.”
According to Cheng, this disconnect between awareness and action poses real risks. Without clear knowledge on how to respond to prevailing mental conditions, the health issues may go unnoticed and result in long-term emotional and economic tolls.
The AXA study found that individuals who are well-informed about mental health — those who know the signs, available support, and how to respond — are significantly more likely to report positive mental well-being and experience better outcomes than those who do not consider themselves well-informed.
“Awareness is an important first step, but real progress happens when people know they can take action with the right support,” said Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines. “Guided by our purpose to act for human progress, AXA stands as a partner to Filipinos—helping them know they can take meaningful steps toward better mind health through access to practical, reliable resources and solutions.”
Check out the AXA Mind Health Self-Check tool to access actionable self-care guides, tips, and advice that can help you build self-awareness and make informed decisions about your mental well-being. To support you beyond awareness, AXA’s health plans offer free mental health counseling, while its latest superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite, provides coverage for select mental health conditions—helping safeguard your well-being at every stage.