A growing number of people are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for mental health support as global rates of anxiety, stress, and depression continue to climb, according to a new international survey. While many users report engaging with AI tools for emotional guidance, a significant share remain unconvinced by the quality of advice they receive.
The Mind Health Report, conducted by AXA and IPSOS, found that more than 60% of respondents have sought mental health-related advice through AI platforms, even though 45% said they were dissatisfied with the responses. The survey covered 19,000 adults aged between 18 and 75 across 18 countries, conducted between January and February 2026.
Overall, 68% of participants reported being affected by anxiety, stress, or depression at some level, with the figure rising sharply to 85% among those aged 18 to 24. Nearly half of all respondents said they were either struggling or languishing, while 65% reported frequently feeling “down-hearted and blue.”
Young adults emerged as the most vulnerable group. Around 43% of those aged 18 to 24 reported severe or extreme levels of mental distress, almost double the global average. The report also highlighted how this age group is more likely to openly discuss mental health challenges and experiment with digital tools for support.
Experts say technology may be contributing to the problem as well as being used to address it. Survey data showed that people spend an average of 5.1 hours per day on screens, with usage even higher in countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. About two-thirds of respondents said screen time affects their daily lives, impacting sleep, focus, and physical activity, while 39% described the impact as severe.
According to IPSOS, more than a third of respondents linked heavy screen use to increased social isolation. Despite these concerns, access barriers remain significant. Cost and time constraints prevent many from seeking professional care, while 43% of those struggling reported no contact with mental health services in the past year.
In response, many individuals are turning to self-management approaches, including exercise, conversations with friends and family, and AI-based tools. The survey found that 63% of respondents used AI chatbots such as ChatGPT for mental health queries, while 38% said they trusted these tools more than human professionals, despite mixed satisfaction with their responses.
Health experts caution that while AI offers accessibility and round-the-clock availability, general-purpose systems are not designed for clinical support. Misleading or overly broad responses could, in some cases, heighten anxiety rather than reduce it. They argue that stronger safeguards and clearer pathways to professional care are needed if AI is to play a safe role in mental health support systems.
