How We’re Really Doing:
2026 UK State of Stigma Report

Mental health stigma can involve negative attitudes, stereotypes, or discrimination directed toward people who experience mental health challenges or seek support for them. It may show up as judgment from others, systemic barriers to care, or internalized shame that makes someone believe they should handle things on their own. According to BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report, 67% of people in the UK believe society still discourages people from seeking help–a 7 percentage point (pp) increase from the previous year. Understanding how stigma operates can be an important step toward challenging it and creating space for people to get the care they deserve.

Stigma can discourage people from reaching out for mental health support, even when they recognise they could benefit from it. Our 2026 survey found that 67% of people in the UK believe societal attitudes discourage seeking help, up 7pp from the previous year, despite 84% agreeing that seeking support is a sign of strength. Fear of being judged, concerns about how others might perceive them, and worry about career consequences can all play a role in keeping people from taking that first step. These barriers often compound over time, making it harder to reach out as symptoms go unaddressed.

Feeling nervous about starting therapy is a common experience, and it does not mean something is wrong with you. BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report found that 60% of UK adults reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, higher than the EU average of 54%, highlighting how widespread these feelings can be. Many people worry about opening up to a stranger, being judged, or not knowing what to expect in a session. A qualified therapist is trained to meet you where you are, and taking that step, even with some hesitation, can be a meaningful act of self-care.

More common than most people realize. According to BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report, a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults–more than half of UK adults reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the past two weeks, with rates trending higher year on year. Specifically, 66% of women and 53% of men reported anxiety symptoms, while 49% of women and 44% of men reported depression symptoms. Both figures are trending worse compared to 2025.

Mental health stigma may persist because of deeply rooted cultural beliefs, misinformation, and a lack of open conversation about emotional well-being. While attitudes are shifting–84% of people in the UK now agree that seeking mental health support is a wise decision, up 6pp from last year–structural and social barriers remain strong. Stigma-related concerns are cited more often in the UK than across the EU (20% vs. 13%) among individuals who have experienced mental health challenges but did not pursue care, and nearly half of people in the UK (45%) say it is not easy to find help when they need it. Progress can be uneven, and closing the gap between awareness and action often requires both personal courage and broader cultural change.

Younger generations may face unique pressures that amplify the impact of mental health stigma. BetterHelp's 2026 UK State of Stigma report found that 51% of Gen Z respondents feel pressure to handle mental health issues on their own rather than seek professional help, compared to a general population average that skews lower, and 42% worry about being judged for seeking support. At the same time, 87% of Gen Z and 92% of Millennials say seeking support is a sign of strength, indicating a generational shift in how care is valued even when barriers remain. Social media, academic pressure, and financial stress can intensify the tension between wanting help and fearing the consequences of asking for it.

Cost, fear of judgment, and time constraints can be among the most significant obstacles to accessing mental health care. According to our 2026 UK survey, 41% of people cite cost as a barrier (up 13pp year on year), 39% say they fear judgment from others, and 37% say they do not believe it will help. These challenges can feel especially overwhelming for people already managing anxiety or depression. Online therapy platforms may help address some of these barriers by offering flexible scheduling and pricing, making qualified care accessible for people navigating a busy life.

AI tools may offer some value as a starting point for exploring mental health topics, but they are not a substitute for qualified care. BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report found that 15% of UK adults have used AI for mental health support (up 5pp year on year), with higher usage among Millennials (32%), and Gen Z (35%). Among those who have used AI for mental health support, 81% report a positive impact on issues like stress, sleep, and relationships. For people who feel hesitant about reaching out to a therapist directly, AI may help normalise the conversation, but connecting with a qualified professional can offer the depth, compassion, and accountability that mental health care often requires.

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*Therapy through BetterHelp is provided by qualified therapists. BetterHelp's AI tools and features are designed to support therapists and clients and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or make clinical decisions.

Our 2026 UK survey found that 72% of people say they would never trust AI more than a qualified professional, and 50% agree that AI-based mental health tools may be most effective when coupled with a medical professional. While AI can provide general information and support between sessions, it cannot diagnose conditions, build a therapeutic relationship, or adjust treatment based on the kind of nuanced understanding a human therapist brings. Research on BetterHelp's platform shows that 72% reported having a positive overall experience with the platform and 7 in 10 surveyed users reported positive changes in their mental wellbeing, outcomes rooted in care delivered by real people. Based on a 2024 clinical outcomes survey study of BetterHelp users in the US. Individual experiences may vary.

You can work with a BetterHelp therapist remotely for support with anxiety and other mental disorders, either via phone call, video call, or live chat. You can also message your therapist any time outside of sessions and they’ll respond when they’re able to.

Men may face distinct cultural pressures that shape how they approach mental health care. BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report found that while 83% of men in the UK say seeking help is a sign of strength, stigma and skepticism continue to shape how they engage with care. 42% worry they will be judged for seeking support, 42% feel pressure to handle challenges on their own, and 41% do not believe therapy would help. Men are also less likely than women to seek support across every channel, from confiding in friends (58% men vs. 73% women) to attending therapy (29% men vs. 38% women). The growing range of options, from online therapy to educational group sessions, can help more people find a path that feels right for them.

Yes, the evidence is strong. Among BetterHelp users, 72% reported having a positive overall experience with the platform, and 7 in 10 surveyed users reported positive changes in their mental wellbeing. 82% would recommend their therapist to someone else. These experiences reflect the kind of care that happens when people move past stigma and access consistent, qualified support, which is why reducing barriers to getting started matters as much as the quality of care itself. Note that individual experiences may vary.

Starting with what feels manageable can be one of the most effective ways to begin your mental health journey. That might mean taking an online assessment, reading about what therapy involves, or simply reflecting on what you would like to change. BetterHelp matches people with qualified therapists who fit their needs, often in as little as 48 hours after signing up, and sessions can happen from wherever you feel most comfortable. You do not need to have a crisis or a diagnosis to benefit from talking to someone. When you are ready, support is here.