A new national survey by Mental Health Ireland has found that nearly one in five people in Ireland do nothing each week to support their mental health, with time, screen use, and financial pressure emerging as the biggest barriers to wellbeing.
The findings, released as part of Mental Health Ireland’s 2025 Mental Health Month Campaign, paint a picture of a nation struggling to prioritise self-care despite growing awareness of mental health issues.
While over 80% of respondents said they take intentional steps each week to look after their mental health, 19% reported doing nothing at all, and a further 42% only manage one or two days a week.
Older adults were found to be the least engaged, with one in four over 55s (25.5%) saying they take no regular action to support their wellbeing. Meanwhile, younger adults aged 18–24 reported fewer barriers overall but identified screen time as a major challenge, with many relying on social media for mental health information.
Income also plays a key role: people from lower-income households were significantly more likely to neglect their mental health (23.4%) compared to those in higher-income brackets (15.3%).
The report shows that the top barriers to mental wellbeing are:
- Lack of time (36%)
- Too much time spent on screens (36%)
- Financial pressure (26%)
- Not knowing how to improve mental health (20%)
Despite these challenges, most people continue to find strength in connection. The most popular mental health supports were exercise (58%) and spending time with friends and family (57%), followed by spending time in nature (44%), hobbies (41%), and mindfulness or meditation (20%).
Community was another recurring theme, with almost 80% identifying friends and family as their main source of support and over 90% agreeing that spending time with their community benefits their mental health.
When facing mental health struggles, 70% of people turn to someone they know, while one in four would seek help from a professional.
Dr. Lisa Cuthbert, CEO of Mental Health Ireland, said the findings show the need to remove barriers and open up more accessible pathways to wellbeing:
“The survey shows that one in five of us aren’t sure how to improve our mental health, while many face barriers such as lack of time, financial strain, or constant digital distractions,” she said. “During Mental Health Month, we want to create space for open conversations and raise awareness — to share tools, resources and celebrate the power of community and connection. Mental health thrives on support and awareness. By making small changes and supporting each other, we can create a society where mental wellbeing is a shared priority.”
The Mental Health Month campaign runs throughout October, with free events, workshops, and community activities nationwide promoting movement, connection, and mindfulness.
