8 in 10 Brits turn to AI chatbots for advice on relationships and mental health
Eight in ten UK adults have used AI chatbots for emotional support, including managing work stress, financial concerns, and relationship advice, with 15% relying on them for mental health. The BetterHelp report highlights widespread mental health struggles, financial strain, and societal stigma as barriers to professional care, while AI is seen as both a solution and a concern for dependency and privacy.
A new survey reveals that eight in ten UK adults have turned to AI chatbots for help with emotional challenges, including work-related stress, financial worries, and relationship guidance. Among them, 15% specifically used AI for mental health support, with 81% reporting positive effects on stress, sleep, and relationships. Despite the benefits, 78% expressed concerns about losing human contact, while 85% feared over-reliance on AI, and 71% worried about privacy risks. The findings, commissioned by BetterHelp for its annual *State of Stigma* report, underscore growing mental health struggles in the UK. Two-thirds of respondents reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, and 73% said they lacked energy. Financial strain also contributed to wellbeing issues, with 49% citing money-related stress and 52% blaming the economic climate. Yet 67% believe society discourages seeking support, while 45% find it difficult to access help due to cost, fear of judgment, or time constraints. Fernando Madeira, president of BetterHelp, described the shift toward AI as a 'once-in-a-generation' change in mental health support. He noted that while AI can make care more immediate and accessible, its responsible development is critical to ensuring people receive proper support. Madeira emphasized a need for a 'hybrid approach' combining AI and human therapy to address accessibility and affordability concerns. The report also highlights the urgency of timely mental health interventions. Sana Khwaja, a BACP-accredited therapist at BetterHelp, stressed that early support can shape how individuals navigate challenges. She warned that societal pressure to cope alone often delays people from seeking help, reinforcing barriers to care. While AI chatbots offer a low-threshold solution for many, the data reveals persistent gaps in mental health services. Financial stress, stigma, and logistical hurdles continue to prevent people from accessing professional assistance, leaving AI as a partial but growing alternative.
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