Cost of living pressures have emerged as the leading mental health concern in a new survey of more than 1,000 adults in Ireland. The findings also point to widespread anxiety, growing concern about social media and smartphones, and a continuing shift towards seeking professional support.
The research, commissioned by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services ahead of Budget 2027, offers a snapshot of how economic uncertainty and wider social pressures are affecting mental health across the country.
Cost of living identified as the biggest pressure
Almost three-quarters of people who took part said the cost of living was the main factor negatively affecting their mental health. The result places financial pressure ahead of relationship concerns, personal problems and international developments.
Just over half of respondents identified family or personal relationship issues as a significant source of strain. Personal concerns were selected by 44 per cent, while 32 per cent pointed to world news.
The findings come as household finances remain a major issue in Ireland. Rising everyday expenses can affect people’s sense of security, create uncertainty about the future and add pressure to family life. The survey does not establish that financial pressures directly cause mental health difficulties in every case, but it shows how closely respondents associate the two issues.
Survey highlights a widespread anxiety in society
A total of 92 per cent of respondents said there was a “worrying amount of anxiety in society”. The result suggests that anxiety is being experienced not only as an individual concern, but also as a broader social issue.
Social media and smartphone use were also prominent in the responses:
- 80 per cent linked social media and/or smartphone use with mental health difficulties among adults.
- 81 per cent associated them with mental health difficulties among children.
- Almost one-third identified loneliness and isolation as negative influences on daily mental health and wellbeing.
Housing concerns were identified by 24 per cent of respondents, while 17 per cent cited climate change. These results show that mental health concerns extend beyond personal circumstances and include economic, technological and global pressures.
Key facts
- More than 1,000 adults took part in the survey.
- Almost three-quarters named the cost of living as the biggest mental health strain.
- 92 per cent said there was a worrying amount of anxiety in society.
- 73 per cent of respondents who had experienced a mental health difficulty had sought support in 2026.
More people are seeking mental health support
Despite the concerns recorded in the survey, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services said there had been a noticeable increase in people seeking help in recent years.
Among respondents who had experienced a mental health difficulty, 73 per cent said they had sought support in 2026. That compares with 35 per cent in 2020, indicating a substantial change in help-seeking behaviour.
The figures suggest that more people may be willing to speak to healthcare professionals, support organisations or people they trust when experiencing difficulties. Increased awareness and reduced stigma may be contributing to that change, although the survey also shows that barriers remain.
Stigma has declined, but concerns remain
Four in five respondents believed people experiencing mental health difficulties faced less stigma and discrimination than they did a decade ago. Nearly half said they had, or knew someone who had, a positive experience of disclosing mental health difficulties. That figure was 47 per cent, compared with 34 per cent two years earlier.
However, the survey identified serious ongoing concerns. One-third of respondents said they had experienced discrimination because of mental health difficulties, or knew someone who had. More than one-quarter said they would view seeking help as a sign of weakness.
The same proportion said they would tell nobody if they were experiencing suicidal thoughts. This finding underlines the importance of accessible, confidential and timely support, particularly for people who may feel unable to speak openly.
What the findings could mean ahead of Budget 2027
The survey was released before Budget 2027, placing mental health within a wider discussion about public services, household finances and social protection.
Paul Gilligan, chief executive of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, said attitudes and responses to mental health had improved at both individual and societal levels. He also said external pressures, including economic uncertainty and international conflict, were increasingly influencing people’s mental health.
The findings point to several areas that may remain important for policymakers and service providers:
- Maintaining access to mental health services as demand changes.
- Recognising the connection between financial stress and emotional wellbeing.
- Supporting children and adults affected by digital pressures.
- Reducing discrimination and encouraging earlier help-seeking.
- Ensuring people in crisis know where confidential support is available.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main mental health concern in the survey?
The cost of living was identified as the leading factor negatively affecting respondents’ mental health, with almost three-quarters selecting it.
How many people said anxiety was a major issue in society?
About 92 per cent of respondents said there was a worrying amount of anxiety in society.
Are more people seeking mental health support?
Yes. Among respondents who had experienced a mental health difficulty, 73 per cent had sought support in 2026, compared with 35 per cent in 2020.
Does the survey show that stigma has disappeared?
No. Although many respondents reported less stigma than in the past, discrimination and reluctance to disclose mental health difficulties remain significant concerns.
Conclusion
This Breaking News Ireland report highlights a clear public concern: financial pressure is closely linked to how many people view their mental health. The survey also shows encouraging progress, with more people seeking support and many believing stigma has declined. The central challenge now is to turn that progress into sustained access to care, practical support during economic uncertainty and a culture in which people can ask for help without fear.
Anyone experiencing immediate danger or suicidal thoughts should contact emergency services or a qualified crisis-support provider without delay.
