Why Is No One Talking About AI and Mental Health?
November 6, 2026 | Helen Gunn
Why Is No One Talking About AI and Mental Health?
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way we work, think and create, are we paying enough attention to the potential impact on our sense of purpose, identity and emotional wellbeing?
Before I go any further, I want to clarify what I mean when I talk about artificial intelligence (AI) in this article. I’m specifically referring to generative AI and large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. These are increasingly sophisticated tools that can write content, produce code, analyse information, solve problems and carry out tasks that have traditionally relied on human knowledge, creativity and decision-making.
I’m not referring to humanoid robots or machines that physically replicate human beings. My focus is on the technology we’re already using and how its growing capabilities are changing our relationship with work, creativity, independent thinking and, ultimately, our sense of purpose and identity.
We hear a lot about how AI will transform industries, increase productivity, revolutionise the way we work and make everyday life easier. And there is no doubt that it brings enormous opportunities.
But this transformation is already underway, and I sometimes wonder whether we’re looking at it through quite a narrow lens. We’re talking about what AI can do for us, but are we giving enough thought to what it might take away?
When businesses introduce AI, the conversation often centres around efficiency, productivity and reducing costs. But are employers considering the human implications? Do they understand that the very tasks they’re automating might be the things that give someone satisfaction, confidence, achievement and purpose?
I think we need to be much more mindful of the human experience as we move towards an increasingly AI-driven world. That means considering not just productivity and efficiency, but the things that make us feel human: our sense of purpose, autonomy and belonging, our relationships and connections with others, the satisfaction of learning and achieving something for ourselves, and the feeling that we have something meaningful to contribute.
These things are fundamental to our wellbeing, yet I wonder how much consideration they’re being given as technology increasingly takes on roles and responsibilities that were once carried out by people.
When work becomes less meaningful
For many people, work is about much more than earning a living. It’s where we develop our skills, challenge ourselves, express our creativity and experience a sense of achievement. It’s often a significant part of our identity and gives us a feeling that we have something valuable to contribute.
Take software development, for example. Someone might spend years developing their skills because they genuinely love problem-solving. They enjoy working through complex challenges, figuring things out and creating something from scratch. It’s their passion, perhaps even their Ikigai – a Japanese concept often described as a reason for being or a sense of purpose in life.
But as AI becomes increasingly capable of writing code and solving complex problems, the nature of that work is changing. Developers are increasingly being encouraged to use AI to perform tasks that previously required their own knowledge, experience and problem-solving abilities.
Of course, this can make work faster and more efficient. But if the part of your job you found most rewarding was the actual process of solving problems, what happens when much of that process is handed over to AI?
You might still have a job, but does it give you the same satisfaction? Do you still feel that same sense of achievement? Do you still feel that your skills and abilities are being valued?
And this isn’t exclusive to software development. The same questions could apply to graphic designers, writers, researchers and countless other professions where creativity, knowledge and experience have traditionally been valued.
A task might seem repetitive or time-consuming from a business perspective, making it an obvious candidate for automation. But for the person doing it, that task might involve creativity, developing expertise or simply the satisfaction of seeing something through from beginning to end.
We need to be careful not to assume that because technology can do something faster, taking that task away automatically makes someone’s working life better.
Perhaps we need to look beyond whether AI will replace jobs and consider whether it could also replace some of the meaning people find in doing them.
The impact on our wellbeing
Having a sense of purpose, autonomy and achievement plays an important role in our psychological wellbeing. Feeling capable, having some control over our decisions, developing our abilities and knowing that what we do matters are all important parts of feeling fulfilled.
Developing skills, overcoming challenges and working things out for ourselves contribute to our sense of competence and confidence. These experiences help us feel that we’re learning, progressing and making a meaningful contribution.
If we’re increasingly handing those opportunities over to AI, what happens to that experience?
I think there’s also a wider conversation to be had about the pressures we’re already experiencing in everyday life.
For many people, modern life can feel relentless. We’re constantly connected, receiving information, responding to messages, managing competing demands and trying to keep up with an ever-changing world.
Now we’re introducing another significant shift, one that brings further expectations to adapt, learn new skills and potentially become even more productive.
If AI allows us to complete tasks in half the time, does that mean we’ll have more time to ourselves? Or will the expectation simply become that we should be doing twice as much?
There’s a difference between technology creating more breathing space and technology creating another reason to fill every available moment.
For people already experiencing stress, overwhelm or burnout, I think this is particularly important to consider.
Our wellbeing isn’t determined simply by how efficiently we complete tasks. We need time to think, process information, connect with others, develop interests and do things that bring us satisfaction beyond our responsibilities.
We also need to feel that we’re in control of our own lives, rather than constantly responding to external demands.
And what about human connection? Our relationships, sense of belonging and interactions with other people are important parts of our emotional wellbeing. We learn from one another, share experiences, collaborate, support each other and find meaning in feeling part of something.
As technology becomes increasingly involved in our everyday lives, I think we need to be mindful of protecting those human experiences too.
Progress, but at what cost?
I don’t believe AI is something we can or should simply turn away from. It has enormous potential to improve lives, remove repetitive tasks and create opportunities we haven’t even imagined yet.
For some people, it will undoubtedly make working life better. It could remove frustrating administrative tasks, free up time for more creative work and give people opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
But I do think we need to be more thoughtful about how we’re implementing it.
Are we considering the emotional impact on people whose careers, responsibilities and professional identities are already being reshaped by AI? Are we protecting opportunities for human creativity, independent thinking and problem-solving? Are employees being given a voice in how AI is introduced? And are we making sure that increased productivity doesn’t simply translate into increased expectations?
It’s easy to measure productivity gains, reduced costs and time saved. But how do you measure the loss of job satisfaction, confidence, autonomy or a sense of achievement?
These things might not appear on a spreadsheet, but they matter enormously to people’s wellbeing.
Technological progress and human wellbeing aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Finding our balance
I don’t think we need to approach AI with fear, nor do I believe we should turn our backs on the opportunities it brings. But perhaps we need to become more mindful of the role we allow it to play in our lives.
We can’t necessarily control the pace of technological change, but we can make conscious choices about how we spend our time, where we direct our attention and what we want to preserve.
We can continue to value human connection, nurture relationships, spend time with people who make us feel part of something and seek out communities where we can share experiences and learn from one another.
We can find creative outlets that allow us to use our own imagination, whether that’s writing, painting, making things, gardening or exploring something completely new. We can challenge ourselves with problems that require our own thinking, curiosity and ingenuity.
And perhaps we can become a little more intentional about when we use technology and when we choose to step away from it.
AI doesn’t have to replace these experiences. It can sit alongside them, provided we remain mindful of what we value and what we don’t want to lose.
Perhaps the opportunity here is to reconsider what a fulfilling life actually looks like. Not one measured by how much we produce, how quickly we complete tasks or how efficiently we use our time, but one that leaves room for connection, creativity, purpose, belonging and simply being human.
Our value has never been measured by how productive, efficient or useful we can be.
I’d love to see more conversations about the human side of AI. Not just what this technology can do for businesses, or how much time and money it can save, but what it means for us as people, our sense of purpose and ultimately our mental wellbeing.
Because technological progress should surely be about improving human lives, not simply making human beings more productive.
And perhaps the most important question isn’t just how we adapt to an increasingly AI-driven world, but how we make sure we don’t lose sight of the things that make life meaningful along the way.
November 6, 2026 | Helen Gunn
Where to find me
I’m easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If you enjoy a canal-side stroll, I’m located between Sale and Brooklands Metrolink stops. If you’re coming by car, there’s space for one extra vehicle on my driveway, and it’s also free to park on the road.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by email or WhatsApp message — this means I can respond thoughtfully between client sessions. Due to the nature of my work, I’m rarely able to answer calls in the moment.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you have health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you have health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
Our Terms & Conditions - The Fine Print
Where to find me
I’m easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If you enjoy a canal-side stroll, I’m located between Sale and Brooklands Metrolink stops. If you’re coming by car, there’s space for one extra vehicle on my driveway, and it’s also free to park on the road.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by email or WhatsApp message — this means I can respond thoughtfully between client sessions. Due to the nature of my work, I’m rarely able to answer calls in the moment.
Where to find me
I’m easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If you enjoy a canal-side stroll, I’m located between Sale and Brooklands Metrolink stops. If you’re coming by car, there’s space for one extra vehicle on my driveway, and it’s also free to park on the road.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by email or WhatsApp message — this means I can respond thoughtfully between client sessions. Due to the nature of my work, I’m rarely able to answer calls in the moment.
Why Is No One Talking About AI and Mental Health?
November 6, 2026 | Helen Gunn
Why Is No One Talking About AI and Mental Health?
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way we work, think and create, are we paying enough attention to the potential impact on our sense of purpose, identity and emotional wellbeing?
When work becomes less meaningful
Before I go any further, I want to clarify what I mean when I talk about artificial intelligence (AI) in this article. I’m specifically referring to generative AI and large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. These are increasingly sophisticated tools that can write content, produce code, analyse information, solve problems and carry out tasks that have traditionally relied on human knowledge, creativity and decision-making.
We hear a lot about how AI will transform industries, increase productivity, revolutionise the way we work and make everyday life easier. And there is no doubt that it brings enormous opportunities.
I’m not referring to humanoid robots or machines that physically replicate human beings. My focus is on the technology we’re already using and how its growing capabilities are changing our relationship with work, creativity, independent thinking and, ultimately, our sense of purpose and identity.
When businesses introduce AI, the conversation often centres around efficiency, productivity and reducing costs. But are employers considering the human implications? Do they understand that the very tasks they’re automating might be the things that give someone satisfaction, confidence, achievement and purpose?
I think we need to be much more mindful of the human experience as we move towards an increasingly AI-driven world. That means considering not just productivity and efficiency, but the things that make us feel human: our sense of purpose, autonomy and belonging, our relationships and connections with others, the satisfaction of learning and achieving something for ourselves, and the feeling that we have something meaningful to contribute.
These things are fundamental to our wellbeing, yet I wonder how much consideration they’re being given as technology increasingly takes on roles and responsibilities that were once carried out by people.
But this transformation is already underway, and I sometimes wonder whether we’re looking at it through quite a narrow lens. We’re talking about what AI can do for us, but are we giving enough thought to what it might take away?
The impact on our wellbeing
Take software development, for example. Someone might spend years developing their skills because they genuinely love problem-solving. They enjoy working through complex challenges, figuring things out and creating something from scratch. It’s their passion, perhaps even their Ikigai – a Japanese concept often described as a reason for being or a sense of purpose in life.
But as AI becomes increasingly capable of writing code and solving complex problems, the nature of that work is changing. Developers are increasingly being encouraged to use AI to perform tasks that previously required their own knowledge, experience and problem-solving abilities.
Of course, this can make work faster and more efficient. But if the part of your job you found most rewarding was the actual process of solving problems, what happens when much of that process is handed over to AI?
You might still have a job, but does it give you the same satisfaction? Do you still feel that same sense of achievement? Do you still feel that your skills and abilities are being valued?
And this isn’t exclusive to software development. The same questions could apply to graphic designers, writers, researchers and countless other professions where creativity, knowledge and experience have traditionally been valued.
A task might seem repetitive or time-consuming from a business perspective, making it an obvious candidate for automation. But for the person doing it, that task might involve creativity, developing expertise or simply the satisfaction of seeing something through from beginning to end.
We need to be careful not to assume that because technology can do something faster, taking that task away automatically makes someone’s working life better.
Perhaps we need to look beyond whether AI will replace jobs and consider whether it could also replace some of the meaning people find in doing them.
For many people, work is about much more than earning a living. It’s where we develop our skills, challenge ourselves, express our creativity and experience a sense of achievement. It’s often a significant part of our identity and gives us a feeling that we have something valuable to contribute.
Progress, but at what cost?
Developing skills, overcoming challenges and working things out for ourselves contribute to our sense of competence and confidence. These experiences help us feel that we’re learning, progressing and making a meaningful contribution.
If we’re increasingly handing those opportunities over to AI, what happens to that experience?
I think there’s also a wider conversation to be had about the pressures we’re already experiencing in everyday life.
For many people, modern life can feel relentless. We’re constantly connected, receiving information, responding to messages, managing competing demands and trying to keep up with an ever-changing world.
Now we’re introducing another significant shift, one that brings further expectations to adapt, learn new skills and potentially become even more productive.
If AI allows us to complete tasks in half the time, does that mean we’ll have more time to ourselves? Or will the expectation simply become that we should be doing twice as much?
There’s a difference between technology creating more breathing space and technology creating another reason to fill every available moment.
For people already experiencing stress, overwhelm or burnout, I think this is particularly important to consider.
Our wellbeing isn’t determined simply by how efficiently we complete tasks. We need time to think, process information, connect with others, develop interests and do things that bring us satisfaction beyond our responsibilities.
We also need to feel that we’re in control of our own lives, rather than constantly responding to external demands.
And what about human connection? Our relationships, sense of belonging and interactions with other people are important parts of our emotional wellbeing. We learn from one another, share experiences, collaborate, support each other and find meaning in feeling part of something.
As technology becomes increasingly involved in our everyday lives, I think we need to be mindful of protecting those human experiences too.
Having a sense of purpose, autonomy and achievement plays an important role in our psychological wellbeing. Feeling capable, having some control over our decisions, developing our abilities and knowing that what we do matters are all important parts of feeling fulfilled.
Finding our balance
I don’t believe AI is something we can or should simply turn away from. It has enormous potential to improve lives, remove repetitive tasks and create opportunities we haven’t even imagined yet.
For some people, it will undoubtedly make working life better. It could remove frustrating administrative tasks, free up time for more creative work and give people opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
But I do think we need to be more thoughtful about how we’re implementing it.
Are we considering the emotional impact on people whose careers, responsibilities and professional identities are already being reshaped by AI? Are we protecting opportunities for human creativity, independent thinking and problem-solving? Are employees being given a voice in how AI is introduced? And are we making sure that increased productivity doesn’t simply translate into increased expectations?
It’s easy to measure productivity gains, reduced costs and time saved. But how do you measure the loss of job satisfaction, confidence, autonomy or a sense of achievement?
These things might not appear on a spreadsheet, but they matter enormously to people’s wellbeing.
Technological progress and human wellbeing aren’t necessarily the same thing.
I don’t think we need to approach AI with fear, nor do I believe we should turn our backs on the opportunities it brings. But perhaps we need to become more mindful of the role we allow it to play in our lives.
We can’t necessarily control the pace of technological change, but we can make conscious choices about how we spend our time, where we direct our attention and what we want to preserve.
We can continue to value human connection, nurture relationships, spend time with people who make us feel part of something and seek out communities where we can share experiences and learn from one another.
We can find creative outlets that allow us to use our own imagination, whether that’s writing, painting, making things, gardening or exploring something completely new. We can challenge ourselves with problems that require our own thinking, curiosity and ingenuity.
And perhaps we can become a little more intentional about when we use technology and when we choose to step away from it.
AI doesn’t have to replace these experiences. It can sit alongside them, provided we remain mindful of what we value and what we don’t want to lose.
Perhaps the opportunity here is to reconsider what a fulfilling life actually looks like. Not one measured by how much we produce, how quickly we complete tasks or how efficiently we use our time, but one that leaves room for connection, creativity, purpose, belonging and simply being human.
Our value has never been measured by how productive, efficient or useful we can be.
I’d love to see more conversations about the human side of AI. Not just what this technology can do for businesses, or how much time and money it can save, but what it means for us as people, our sense of purpose and ultimately our mental wellbeing.
Because technological progress should surely be about improving human lives, not simply making human beings more productive.
And perhaps the most important question isn’t just how we adapt to an increasingly AI-driven world, but how we make sure we don’t lose sight of the things that make life meaningful along the way.
November 6, 2026 | Helen Gunn