The Value of Mental Health report 2026: insights on strengthening resilience in a changing world

Mental health shapes how people live, work and connect. Its impact is often not fully recognised until challenges begin to affect everyday life, relationships and work. Today, its importance is clearer than ever.

Across Australia, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, the UAE and the UK, mental health has moved firmly into the spotlight. Awareness is rising and more people are seeking diagnosis and support earlier. This matters because early recognition can help reduce the impact of mental health challenges and support more stable outcomes for individuals and families.

At the same time, greater visibility is revealing deeper pressures. As more people seek help, demand is increasing on systems that are already stretched. When support is hard to access, the burden often shifts back to individuals through self-management, out-of-pocket costs and reliance on informal care. Employers are also facing growing expectations to intervene earlier, while health services continue to balance timely access with more complex care needs.

A common challenge emerges across all countries studied: how to strengthen the relationship between robust protection systems and personal resilience.

Disruption is becoming a defining feature of modern life. Economic uncertainty, rapid change and social fragmentation can disconnect people from routines, work and community. To help people stay engaged and supported, mental health services and protection systems must continue to evolve. Prevention, early engagement, continuity of care and sustained participation all matter. At the same time, personal resilience remains essential, helping people adapt, recover and maintain financial and social stability.

Zurich’s global report, The Value of Mental Health, explores these dynamics across diverse economies. It highlights the broad impact of mental health conditions on individuals, employers, public budgets and protection systems. Despite differences in national context, one pattern is consistent: the greatest costs are often borne by individuals, households and employers, through reduced wellbeing and productivity that can extend well beyond public spending.

As the first publication in Zurich’s The Value of Health & Wellbeing research series, this report quantifies these costs to show the value that can be protected through earlier, more holistic approaches to mental health, helping support wellbeing, workforce participation and more resilient systems.

To learn more and for a copy of the full report contact your Partnership Manager.