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A rtificial intelligence is no longer confined to practical and creative tasks, like writing, summarizing, or generating images. Increasingly, it functions as a digital confidant, somewhere people share their deepest emotions, fears, and doubts. This growing intimacy sparks public debate, especially as recent incidents raise concerns about privacy, reliability and potential risks related to psychosis and suicide. MIND – the Dutch national platform representing people with mental health problems and their close ones – surveyed how people use generative AI to talk about their mental health, what draws them to it and how they experience these interactions. The findings paint a nuanced picture: while for many AI offers support and reassurance, it also raises serious questions about ethics, safety, and responsibility. Always available, never judging Among the 771 participants with lived experience, 38% have used generative AI tools to talk about their mental health. Younger people, those currently in treatment, and individuals on waiting lists are more frequent users. The strongest appeal of AI, participants say, lies in its 24/7 availability and accessibility. It is
always there, available during day and night, without waiting for lists or appointments. One participant explains: “I see my psychologist once a week, but ChatGPT is my daily support. It helps me by answering questions, normalizing things and to make decisions. I cannot call the psychologist every day.” Many participants add that it is comforting to share their thoughts and emotions with AI, without the feeling of placing a burden on friends or family. Unlike conversations with other people, there is less or no fear of being misunderstood, labeled, or judged. This sense of anonymity and acceptance allows users to speak about their mental health without experiencing shame or stigma. Making sense of the mind Most people use AI alongside therapy, rather than as a substitute. Only 13% report using it in place of professional care. An overwhelming 93% experience talking with AI as helpful. These participants consider AI to be a calm listener (59%) that helps to organize their thoughts (78%), understand and regulate their emotions (54%), and helps to find information about mental health (46%). A participant says: “It offers warmth when I am struggling with very restrictive thoughts. Sometimes, the advice of AI helps me to apply what I have learned in therapy.” Its ability to respond
Juliët Holtschlag Policy advisor, MIND
juliëtholtschlag juliet.holtschlag@wijzijnmind.nl
About the research This article is based on MIND’s report “Zorgelijk of kansrijk? Generatieve AI bij psychische klachten” (“Threat or Opportunity? Generative AI and Mental Health”), published in 2025. MIND is the Dutch national umbrella organization representing people with mental health problems and their close ones. Learn more at wijzijnmind.nl
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