National mental health survey shows impact of global uncertainty on mental health

At St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), we recognise that periods of rapid change and global uncertainty can heighten stress, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties. As 2025 draws to a close, we are encouraging everyone to prioritise their wellbeing, check in on loved ones, and seek support when needed.

The findings of this year’s survey reveal that international conflict, economic challenges, housing pressures, and climate change are now major influences on how people in Ireland are feeling.

Key survey findings

Growing impact of global and national crises

Almost half (48%) of respondents say international conflict, including the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, is their greatest societal concern. This represents an increase of 7% from 2024. Broader global uncertainty is also affecting people’s mental health in daily life.

Other major findings include:

• 88% believe there is a worrying amount of anxiety in society
• 49% say economic challenges are influencing their mental health and wellbeing
• 64% are concerned about broader economic factors
• 31% say world news is affecting their mental health
• 24% cite housing concerns as influencing their mental health
• 14% say climate change is influencing their wellbeing.

Positive trends in attitudes to mental health

Despite these pressures, findings from the 2025 survey also show encouraging improvements in help seeking and reductions in stigma:

• 65% of respondents report satisfaction with their mental health
• 67% of those who experienced mental health difficulties sought support in 2025, compared to 35% in 2020
• 74% of people who disclosed a difficulty at work, at home, or in their community had a positive experience
• Since 2020, there has been a 12% decrease in the number of people who believe being treated for a mental health difficulty is seen as a personal failure
• 77% believe that people with mental health difficulties face less stigma than 10 years ago.

Technology and misinformation as emerging pressures

Technology and online environments are also significant factors influencing mental health:

• 78% believe social media or smartphone use is associated with mental health difficulties in adults
• 80% believe the same for children
• 12% have followed online mental health information that later turned out to be inaccurate, with younger people aged 18 to 24 more likely to be affected.

Supporting mental health during turbulent times

Speaking about the findings, Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, said:

“St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey has been carried out for over a decade and illustrates positive long-term shifts in attitudes toward mental health. Yet with each new iteration, emerging pressures, from digital determinants of mental health to climate anxiety and geopolitical instability, reinforce the need to continue challenging mental health stigma while ensuring timely, effective support is available for all."

Speaking about the impacts on younger people, Paul Gilligan added:

“The survey has shown younger generations are more likely to report dissatisfaction with their own mental health than older generations. This, combined with significantly higher levels of concern about issues such as housing, economic factors and technology, is indicative of the unique challenges facing young people today. While young people have demonstrated incredible resilience, it is vital that we continue to provide the right supports, resources and guidance to protect and enhance their wellbeing while also taking urgent action to address the critical issues driving these mental health impacts.”

Founder’s Day 2025: Mental health in turbulent times

The release of this year’s findings follows our annual Founder’s Day conference, which focused on the theme of mental health in turbulent times. The conference explored topics including digital determinants of mental health, megatrends influencing youth wellbeing, climate related mental health impacts, psychiatry in humanitarian emergencies, and the effects of international conflict on mental health. These themes closely reflect the issues highlighted in the survey.

A recording of the Founder’s Day conference is available here.

About the survey

The Annual Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma Survey is a bespoke online survey that explores public awareness of, and attitudes toward, mental health in Ireland. Conducted annually using the same questionnaire to allow year-on-year comparison, the 2025 survey collected responses from a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 adults aged 18 and over, with quotas set on gender, age, region, and social class.