Our annual survey for 2026 shows that cost of living concerns is the biggest factor currently influencing people’s mental health.
31% identified loneliness and isolation as negatively influencing their mental health and wellbeing in daily life, with 24% of respondents noting their concerns about housing and 17% naming climate change.
Findings also revealed that:
- 92% believe there is a worrying amount of anxiety in society
- 27% would tell no one if they were experiencing suicidal thoughts
- 27% would consider it a sign of weakness if they sought help for a mental health difficulty, while only 15% would consider it a sign of weakness if a friend sought help
- 33% have been, or know someone who has been, discriminated against due to mental health difficulties.
81% also believe that social media and/or smartphone use are associated with mental health difficulties in children, with 80% believing the same for adults.
Positive trends in mental health support
While the findings highlight the mental health effects of the uncertain times we are living through, they also reveal positive trends.
Since 2020, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people seeking support for their mental health. In 2026, 73% of respondents who had experienced a mental health difficulty had sought mental health support, compared to just 35% in 2020.
In addition:
- 62% of respondents report satisfaction with their mental health
- 80% believe that people with mental health difficulties experience less stigma and discrimination than 10 years ago
- 65% believe that people in Ireland speak about mental health in a respectful way, and understand what mental health means
- 47% have, or know someone who has had, positive experiences of disclosing mental health difficulties, compared to just 34% two years ago.
Lived experience of mental health
The release of this year’s findings comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (WMHD). The 2026 WMHD campaign focuses on a call for the voices of people with lived experience to shape the policies, services and decisions that directly impact their lives.
To celebrate, we are launching a new video series of recovery stories, which features people with lived experiences sharing their mental health journeys as a way to challenge stigma and inspire hope.
Padraig Keegan, who is an expert by experience, took part in this video series and speaks about the importance of lived experience in mental healthcare and reaching out for help. He said: "For me, hearing lived experiences from others really helped me in my recovery journey. It made me feel connected to people when for so long I felt like no one understood what I was going through.”
“Talking openly about our own experiences can help break down the stigma and fear around asking for help. No matter how tough or how bad things feel, be kind to yourself. Feelings will pass. Lean on people, get support from them because life is a wonderful gift and we are only around for a few short years."
You can watch Padraig’s story below. The rest of the series will be released in the coming weeks to coincide with WMHD.
Importance of understanding emerging issues
Speaking about this year’s findings, our Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gilligan, said: “For over 15 years, SPMHS has carried out this annual barometer survey to track changes and trends in attitudes towards mental health in Ireland."
"Since the first survey through to today, we have seen significant improvements in attitudes and responses to mental health on both an individual and societal level, as well as an increase in people seeking support for their mental health. These trends reflect a continued commitment across Irish society to challenging stigma and fostering greater openness around mental health.”
“While we must continue to challenge stigma, the most recent iterations of the survey draw particular attention to how more and more, external pressures, such as economic uncertainty and international conflict, are influencing people’s mental health.
"As we navigate these challenges, it is important to maintain a strong national focus on mental health, ensuring we understand the issues emerging and developing appropriate responses that protect and promote people’s mental health and their right to good mental health.”
More survey findings
The annual survey was run over the summer, and polled a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 adults aged 18 and over. The survey was conducted by Coyne Research on behalf of SPMHS. You can read more findings below.