Six in ten people in Ireland now turn to AI for mental health support

42% of those who use AI for mental health almost always follow AI advice without question

Among people in Ireland using AI platforms for mental health advice, 42% say they almost always follow AI guidance without question, while 39% report feeling uneasy or concerned after using it.

The findings come from the AXA Mind Health Report 2026, a global Ipsos study of 19,000 people across 18 countries, including Ireland.

The research also found that more people in Ireland have used AI for their mental health than have seen a healthcare professional about it: 61%, compared to 45% who have visited a professional in the past year.

Irish people are also more likely than almost anywhere else surveyed to take sick leave for a mental health issue - 33%, against a 24% global average.

Advice

In a crisis, don’t use AI. Call a GP, a helpline, or emergency services.

1. Understand, don’t diagnose. Ask "what are the signs of anxiety?" rather than "do I have anxiety?" Al can't see your history. A GP or therapist can.

2. Be specific in your prompts. Vague questions get vague answers. Give real context around your need - what happened, how long it's been going on, what you've already tried.

3. Keep it general, not personal. Don't share your name, employer or medication. Al chat isn't confidential the way a conversation with a clinician is.

4. If it feels extreme or off, stop. Check any advice that surprises or unsettles you with a professional before you act on it.

5. Daily reassurance is a sign. Asking Al to reassure you every day? That's your cue to talk to someone in confidence instead, maybe a friend or someone more qualified like your GP or a therapist.

Dr Imren Sterno, Head of Mental Health at AXA, who worked closely with laya healthcare on the Irish findings, said: “AI can play a positive role in mental health, with it being free, immediate, and available any time. But it needs to be shaped by clinically grounded tools that guide people to real human support when it matters most.

"AI can never replace human connection, yet despite this nearly half of us (42%) say we would prioritise AI tools over confiding in our peers. The need for mental health support in the workplace continues to grow globally, and in Ireland, 33% of people report having taken sick leave for a mental health issue, which is well above the 24% global average. Early treatment is how we help someone before a problem becomes a crisis.”