War, Climate, Financial Worries: What Weighs on Our Psyche

News about wars and conflicts, climate change, and financial worries burden many people in Austria. Overall, the situation appears positive according to an Integral survey conducted on the occasion of the Day of Mental Health (October 10): 85 percent say they are mentally very or rather well. "Under the surface," however, a different picture emerges: 35 percent currently feel stressed, with young people significantly more than older ones.

Negative News Burden the Psyche

According to the survey, for which Integral surveyed 1,000 people online, the greatest psychological burdens are the daily news of wars and conflicts (52 percent). This is followed by climate change and its consequences, as well as financial worries (each 42 percent). The flood of information (37 percent) also "weighs heavily," according to the pollsters. Housework or jobs are perceived as burdensome by only about a third.

The general population finds social media the least burdensome (nine percent). However, among young respondents, this value is twice as high. "In external assessments, this aspect is perceived completely differently, with 78 percent of respondents believing that social media burdens people because they constantly compare themselves to others," said Martin Mayr, a member of the Integral management team.

Digital Accessibility Becomes a Stress Factor for Many

In general, constant connectivity does indeed cause stress: 42 percent say they can hardly take breaks from digital media. 30 percent cannot really relax on vacation. 27 percent feel burdened by constant accessibility.

39 percent regularly talk about their mental health in their personal environment. However, 64 percent believe that people with mental health issues are more likely to be marginalized than supported. The healthcare system also fares poorly: 76 percent are convinced that there are too few affordable options for mental burdens. More free or affordable therapy places (70 percent), shorter waiting times (60 percent), and better information about support services (51 percent) are demanded. According to their own statements, 50 percent have at some point in their lives used therapy. Calls to hotlines, on the other hand, are rare (11 percent).

Openness to AI Counseling

A quarter of respondents can already imagine psychological counseling through AI. Mental support in general is not equally well received by all social strata. People attributed to milieus such as the "Conservative-Established" or "Performers" have relied on it less than average in the past. "These milieus strongly emphasize self-responsibility and do not want to show weaknesses. Thus, they often forgo using a therapy offer - even though financial aspects play a lesser role here," explained Mayr. Counseling through AI chats is highly regarded in the "Adaptive-Pragmatic Milieu." "Pragmatic progress optimism and utility orientation are at the forefront here. The possibilities of Artificial Intelligence are still largely seen uncritically here."

(APA/Red)

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