AXA flags limits of AI as UK mental health support strains

AXA’s Mind Health Report found the UK facing severe mental health pressures, with access barriers and stigma pushing more people toward AI tools. Some 60% of respondents said they had not seen a mental health professional in the past 12 months, while 25% cited fear of stigma or judgement as a reason for avoiding help.

AI is increasingly filling gaps left by strained services. Some 46% of UK respondents said they had used AI tools for mental health support, compared with the 63% global average, while 42% said they trusted AI guidance more than advice from a mental health professional. Results were mixed, with 57% finding AI-generated advice helpful, 43% reporting dissatisfaction and 27% saying an AI recommendation had led them into harmful behaviour.

Workplace anxiety is adding pressure for employers and insurers. A OnePoll.com survey of 2,000 UK adults found 29% were anxious or pessimistic about AI use in their role, while 21% were considering a move into sectors seen as more future-proof. In the group risk market, insurers delivered interventions to nearly 8,300 employees in 2025, with mental illness accounting for 48% of cases, while group risk products paid out £2.69 billion in claims.