2026 Mind Health Report
Mind Your Health
31% of individuals
report at least one mental health issue.
More than 1 out of 2
of young adults (ages 18-24) are classified as 'languishing' or 'struggling'
Only 41%
of workplaces have mental health policies.
Introduction
Our Mind Health Index and study is a tool for assessing and promoting mind health. It provides a way of gauging people’s current mental state and, for those who aren’t doing so well, identifies steps they can take that may help them improve. Further, it allows us to plot fluctuations in mind health over time.
“Breaking the taboo surrounding mental health requires us to move beyond treating it as an individual concern and recognize it as the collective challenge it has become —affecting us all in unprecedented ways, driven by the context and changes reshaping our lives today. As an insurer on the frontline, we believe every responsible employer must focus on overcoming a fundamental barrier: access to first consultation. We are witnessing an increasing role for artificial intelligence in early support. However, these tools cannot replace therapists. A structured, coherent care pathway grounded in recognized medical expertise and robust support mechanisms remains essential to addressing this societal challenge.”
Patrick Cohen
Head of Europe and Health, Member of AXA’s Management Committee.
The Mind Health States
Our index looks at what positive or negative emotions people are experiencing and the impact these are having on their state of mind. The index then places people in one of four categories – from struggling mentally on one end to flourishing at the top.
Flourishing
Flourishing represents the pinnacle of good mind health. Classified by a Mind Health Index score greater than 75. Flourishing individuals do well across a range of mental wellbeing determinants and outcomes.
Getting by
Getting by describes those who may have some areas of good wellbeing but not enough to reach the state of flourishing. Those getting by may experience a dampened sense of wellbeing compared to those who are flourishing.
Languishing
Languishing represents the absence of positive wellbeing. If you are languishing you are not functioning at full capacity, you may feel unmotivated and struggle to focus. Those who are languishing are at an increased risk of developing mental illness.
Struggling
The absence of wellbeing in most areas is likely to result in struggling and difficulty. Struggling is associated with emotional distress and psychosocial impairment.
Check Your Mind Health with AXA
Assess your mental health in a few minutes: answer a few questions, receive a personalized report, and discover practical tips to nurture your mental well-being.
2026 Mind Health index
Global Index
- Flourishing23%
- Getting by31%
- Languishing31%
- Struggling15%
10 Skills as a path to flourishing
Our research suggests that, to flourish, at least eight of the 10 skills are needed. With self acceptance, being the most important skill to flourishing. An individual’s mind health category – flourishing, getting by, languishing and struggling – depends on how many of these skills they have, and how strong they are in each. These are not fixed states - it’s possible to identify the lifestyle changes needed to bring about flourishing mental health.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional quotient, or emotional intelligence, describes a person's ability to understand and manage their emotions. This includes skills such as Self-awareness, emotional self-regulation, social awareness and social skills. A higher EQ can improve lifelong physical and mental health.
