'Concerning' mental health levels place Ireland bottom of EU rankings

Eva Osborne

A new report has revealed concerning mental health levels in Ireland, placing the island at the bottom of EU rankings.

Laya healthcare, leveraging the global insights of the annual AXA Mind Health Report, launched the Irish results on Tuesday.

The study showed that 48 per cent of the Irish population are struggling or languishing—a state marked by a lack of vitality, zest, and a pervasive feeling of stagnation.

Ireland has the lowest average score in relation to Mind Health Index among the nine European countries surveyed - France; Germany; Spain; Italy; Ireland; Belgium; Switzerland; Turkey; and the United Kingdom.

Switzerland reports significantly better mental health outcomes as the highest scoring EU country where 37 per cent are struggling or languishing.

The report, based on insights from 17,000 participants across 16 countries, underscores that mental health remains a top priority worldwide, with one in three individuals experiencing at least one mental health condition (32 per cent).

According to the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), in Ireland, 75 per cent of adults are potentially facing mental health difficulties, affected by anxiety, stress or depression even mildly, compared to the EU average (69 per cent).

Young Irish adults are particularly vulnerable. 43 per cent of those aged 18-24 and 44 per cent of those aged 25-34 are potentially affected by severe or more extreme levels of depression, anxiety, or stress.

Chartered counselling psychologist and clinical lead at Laya Healthcare’s 24/7 wellbeing support programme, Nicole Paulie, said: “The AXA Mind Health report mirrors the Laya Healthcare Workplace Wellbeing research over the last five years, highlighting the growing mental health needs of adults in Ireland.

"Understanding these needs and challenges is crucial for providing effective, immediate support and promoting long-term wellbeing.”

Addressing the growing need for mental health support, director of people, culture, and legal at Laya Healthcare, Erika O’Leary, said: "Having access to a report like this provides valuable insights into the key factors impacting mental wellbeing in Ireland, including workplace stress.

"As leaders in this space, we are excited to leverage these insights to enhance our innovative solutions and resources, supporting individuals and organizations in building a more resilient and mentally healthy society."