Mental health has become a more open topic in the Philippines over the past few years. Conversations that once felt uncomfortable are now happening at home, in workplaces, and even online. Many Filipinos can already recognize terms like anxiety, burnout, and emotional distress. But a new study reveals a crucial truth. Awareness alone is not enough.
According to the 2025 AXA Mind Health Study, Filipinos rank among the most mentally health-aware populations globally. About 65 percent of respondents said they are aware of mental health issues. However, the same study uncovered a concerning gap. Only around one in three Filipinos actually know what steps to take when they or someone they care about experiences mental health challenges.
Awareness Without Action Can Be Risky
As the year begins, many Filipinos are setting goals centered on balance, wellness, and personal growth. Mental well-being is often included in these intentions. Yet despite good intentions, many people feel lost when it comes to practical action.
Paula Ferrer Cheng, Head of Research and Development at Mind You, AXA Philippines’ mental health partner, explains why this gap matters.
“It is not enough to know what anxiety looks like. People need to know what to do,” she said. “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.”
Cheng warns that without knowing how to respond, early warning signs can easily be ignored. Over time, this can lead to deeper emotional struggles and even economic consequences, especially when mental health issues affect productivity and relationships.
Being Informed Makes a Real Difference
The AXA study also highlights a hopeful insight. Filipinos who consider themselves well-informed about mental health tend to experience better outcomes. These individuals are more likely to report positive mental well-being and are better equipped to seek help or support others when needed.
Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines, emphasized the importance of moving beyond simple awareness.
“Acknowledging mental health is a vital first step, but progress happens when people know how to take action with the right support,” he shared. “Guided by our purpose to act for human progress, AXA is committed to helping Filipinos take meaningful steps toward better mind health through access to reliable tools and resources.”
Introducing the AXA Mind Health Self-Check Tool
To help close the gap between knowing and doing, AXA has introduced the Mind Health Self-Check, a free and anonymous digital tool designed to help individuals better understand their emotional well-being.
The tool provides users with a structured way to assess their mental state and access practical self-care resources. By answering a series of guided questions, users receive a clearer picture of their current emotional condition, making it easier to take proactive steps.
The Mind Health Self-Check evaluates three key areas of daily life. These include Current State of Mind, Skills and Beliefs, and Lifestyle. Using AXA’s proprietary methodology, the tool generates a single Mind Health Index score ranging from 0 to 100.
Understanding Your Mind Health Index Score
Once users complete the self-check, their score falls into one of four categories:
Flourishing, with a score of 68 and above, reflects strong emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
Getting By, with scores between 57 and 68, suggests a generally stable state with room for growth.
Languishing, which ranges from 43 to 57, points to reduced motivation and lower well-being that may require attention.
Struggling, with scores below 43, indicates distress across several areas and may be linked to emotional or psychosocial challenges.
These categories help users better understand where they are and what kind of support or self-care may be helpful.
Why Early Support and Connection Matter
Cheng notes that the findings of the AXA study mirror broader trends seen in the workplace. In a separate Mind You study involving over 15,000 employees, the most common reason people sought help was simply the need for someone to talk to. Emotional distress, rather than clinical diagnosis, drove 80 percent of help-seeking behavior.
This shows a growing cultural shift toward openness and empathy, especially in professional environments. It also reinforces the importance of safe spaces and early support before mental health concerns escalate.
Supporting Filipinos Beyond Awareness
AXA’s commitment goes beyond digital tools. Its health plans now include free mental health counseling, while its Health Max Elite critical illness plan provides coverage for select mental health conditions. These offerings aim to protect Filipinos holistically, addressing both physical and mental well-being at different life stages.
“When people delay seeking help because they do not know what to do, it affects both their personal lives and their livelihoods,” Kandil said. “Filipinos who are better informed are more capable of taking action and thriving.”
Turning Awareness Into Action
Mental health conversations in the Philippines have come a long way, but this study makes one thing clear. Awareness must lead to action. Tools like the AXA Mind Health Self-Check provide a starting point for Filipinos who want clarity, guidance, and practical next steps.
For those looking to build self-awareness and make informed decisions about their mental well-being, AXA’s holistic health initiatives offer accessible support that goes beyond awareness and into real-world care.