FAQs

According to an IPSOS study conducted by Lancôme in 2025 and 2026, in up to 5 countries, 80%1 of women have already hidden their true state of their mental health saying “I’M FINE” when in fact they were not. But the facade is crumbling, with 72% of women regretting their choice to conceal their struggles. Lancôme, in partnership with the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), created “I'm Fine,” a program supporting women to recognize the early signs of anxiety and depression. To achieve this, the program provides scientifically backed self-assessment tools (GAD-7 and PHQ-8), accessible, expert developed mental health resources and awareness-raising campaigns designed to break the stigma surrounding women's mental health.

Partnering with ADAA, a leading non-profit with over 40 years of mental health expertise, significantly amplifies the program's impact. ADAA, alongside its global network of experts, raises awareness about the causes of and best treatments for anxiety, depression, and related disorders by disseminating cutting edge science, promoting evidence-based clinical practice, and educating professionals and the public. Together, we've leveraged our combined strengths—Lancôme's global platform and ADAA's expertise—to deliver impactful, expert-developed resources worldwide, with the ambitious goal of supporting 3 million individuals to recognize early signs of anxiety and depression by 2030.

At Lancôme, we believe that beauty is not only about how we look, but also how we feel and how we lift each other up. In a world where women face increasing pressures, we believe that optimism is a choice—a conscious and courageous choice to see life on the positive side. It’s this very belief that drives us to walk the talk by using our global platform to drive positive societal change. While this aspiration resonates across generations, we know that optimism is fragile, especially when mental well-being is overlooked. That's why, in partnership with ADAA, we developed “I'm Fine” to champion women's mental well-being and support them to thrive.

The “I'm Fine” program focuses on anxiety and depression because they are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 5% of adults globally experience depression, and 4% experience anxiety disorder.

Beyond their individual prevalence, these two conditions are deeply interconnected. Approximately half of those experiencing anxiety disorders also suffer from depression, making them difficult to address separately. This significant overlap is precisely what makes a combined approach necessary.

Furthermore, women are disproportionately affected by both conditions — with one in three women likely to face these disorders at some point in their lifetime, at a rate twice as high as men. This striking reality further reinforced our commitment to tackling both conditions together and inspired us to dedicate ourselves to the mission of making a real difference.

The “I'm Fine” program is focused on women, especially those who may not yet realize they are struggling with anxiety and depression. According to ADAA, approximately one in three2 women will face these challenges in their lifetime—twice as often as men. At every life stage and across all cultures, women navigate unique, gender-based pressures that directly impact their mental well-being –from societal expectations and unequal responsibilities to physiological transitions like postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. To help break the taboo surrounding women’s mental health, Lancôme is actively investing in awareness and prevention. Our goal is to walk alongside women, supporting them in recognizing early signs before struggles escalate into crises.

It's normal to feel anxious. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, often manifesting as fear, dread, or uneasiness. It might even experience physical symptoms like sweating, a rapid heartbeat, or muscle tension. In fact, anxiety can be helpful in some situations, providing a boost of energy or helping you focus when you need it. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, and starts interfering with your daily life, it crosses the line into an anxiety disorder. This kind of chronic and escalating anxiety can take many forms, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, various phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. If you notice that these signs persist, it’s important to consider reaching out for support, as anxiety disorders are a treatable condition.

Everyone experiences low moments at times. When life gets tough, you might feel sad or discouraged, and that’s perfectly normal. However, if these feelings become overwhelming, last more than two weeks, and start interfering with everyday activities like work, school, or your social life, it might be more than just a temporary low mood. Depression can make you feel hopeless, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, and even trigger physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or body aches. It can also affect your sleep, appetite, and concentration. If you notice that these signs persist, it’s important to consider reaching out for support, as depression is a treatable condition. 

It's a stark reality: Around one in three women will face an anxiety or depressive disorder in their lifetime—twice the rate of men. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including physiological changes and sociocultural pressures, which can interact and even accumulate throughout a woman's life, influencing the severity of these conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial not only for improved diagnosis and treatment but also for developing preventative strategies that help women to recognize early signs and seek timely support.

The PHQ-8 (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7) are well-established mental health screening tools developed by healthcare professionals over two decades ago. These questionnaires are designed to measure severity and symptoms of depression and anxiety. While they cannot replace a professional diagnosis, they offer valuable insights into how you’re feeling at a given moment and whether it might be helpful to seek further support. These questionnaires are not professional diagnoses – everyone’s mental health journey is unique, and while we’re here to support women with tools and info, it’s always best to check in with a licensed professional to get the full picture.

Developed over two decades ago by healthcare professionals, these scientifically validated questionnaires are trusted tools for identifying potential signs of depression and anxiety. They have been extensively tested in clinical studies and are globally recognized for their reliability and accuracy. While they provide valuable insights on your emotional well-being, they do not replace a formal medical diagnosis.

Taking GAD-7 and PHQ-8 can be a helpful first step in understanding your mental well-being. These scientifically validated tools offer a quick (less than 5 min) and simple way to check in with yourself. They can help you reflect on how you’ve been feeling and recognize early signs of anxiety and depression you might not have noticed. Identifying these signs early can make a real difference, preventing you from seeking help before it escalates. The results can also provide you with concrete information to discuss with a healthcare professional.

The GAD-7 and PHQ-8 are primarily designed for adults. They may not be appropriate for children and younger adolescents as their symptoms and experiences of anxiety and depression can differ significantly from those of adults.

The GAD-7 and PHQ-8 are valuable screening tools to help you better understand your mental well-being at a specific point in time and identify potential signs of anxiety and depression. However, these questionnaires cannot provide a diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis through a comprehensive assessment, considering your full medical history and discussing appropriate treatment options.

If the GAD-7 and the PHQ-8 suggest that you may need support, here are some steps you can take:

• Talk to a healthcare professional: Consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician or mental health specialist. They administer the screening, discuss your results and offer personalized guidance.
• Explore our mental health resources: Access evidence-based information and support materials, which may include educational content, online communities, or directories of mental health services provided by recognized experts and organizations—like ADAA or the World Health Organization.
• Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities that promote your overall well-being, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques.

Remember, needing support is completely normal. You’re not alone and help is available for you.

You can take the self-assessments as often as you feel the need to check in on your mental health. That said, here are a few general recommendations:

• Check in periodically: It’s a good idea to assess your emotional well-being, just as you would monitor your physical health. Keep in mind that the only way to receive a comprehensive diagnosis is to speak with a healthcare professional.
• If your scores are consistently in the moderate to severe range, or if you notice a significant increase: we recommend consulting a healthcare professional. A doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist can guide you toward the appropriate next steps.

If you find yourself testing very frequently or feeling increasingly distressed: it may be a sign that you need additional support — regardless of your score. Reaching out to a professional is always the right move.

Your privacy is our top priority. No personal data is collected, saved or shared; all responses are solely used to connect individuals with relevant resources. 

No, the GAD-7 and PHQ-8 do not cover all mental health conditions. They have been designed to screen for two common conditions – GAD-7 for anxiety and PHQ-8 for depression. While these tools are helpful for identifying symptoms of anxiety and depression, they don’t provide a full picture of your mental health. For a complete overview, you should reach out to a healthcare professional.