October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in Canada

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in Canada at the population level is often linked to workplace factors, including job insecurity, high workload, and lack of recognition. Economic pressures and social comparisons, especially through social media, also contribute significantly. Supporting employees through initiatives like October’s digital group sessions on self-esteem can help mitigate these stressors in Canadian workplaces.

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Self-esteem Prevalence
25.57%
Affected people
14,063,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Mental Health:

    • Increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy when self-expectations aren't met.
    • Higher risk of burnout due to constant pressure to maintain a positive self-image.
    • Potential for depressive symptoms if self-esteem is heavily contingent on external validation.

  • Physical Health:

    • Stress-related symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances.
    • Weakened immune system due to chronic stress.

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships due to unrealistic expectations from self and others.
    • Difficulty accepting feedback or criticism, impacting personal growth.
    • Social withdrawal to protect fragile self-esteem.

Workplace Implication:
Employees under this stress may struggle with teamwork, accepting constructive criticism, and managing workload. Offering digital group sessions through platforms like October can help employees build healthier self-esteem and coping mechanisms.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effect of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Employees under high self-esteem stress may experience decreased confidence and motivation, leading to lower work performance and productivity.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Stress related to self-esteem issues can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, resulting in more sick days and absenteeism.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs: The economic burden increases due to greater demand for mental health services and treatments in the workplace.

  4. Higher Turnover Rates: Employees facing self-esteem stress may leave jobs more frequently, increasing recruitment and training costs.

  5. Lower Innovation and Collaboration: Stress can stifle creativity and reduce effective teamwork, slowing down business growth and competitiveness.

Workplace Suggestion: Implementing digital group sessions and mental health assessments, such as those offered by October, can help employers identify and support employees facing self-esteem stress, improving overall economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist? 

 How a Country Can Lower Self-Esteem-Related Stress

1. **Promote Mental Health Education**  
   Implement nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about self-esteem, emphasizing that it is normal to experience challenges and encouraging seeking help early.

2. **Support Inclusive Workplaces**  
   Encourage businesses to create inclusive environments where diversity is valued, and employees feel respected and recognized for their contributions.

3. **Improve Access to Mental Health Resources**  
   Increase funding and availability of mental health services, including digital platforms like October that offer group sessions and assessments to support employees.

4. **Implement Educational Programs in Schools**  
   Teach coping skills, resilience, and emotional intelligence from a young age to build healthy self-esteem and reduce stress later in life.

5. **Encourage Community Engagement**  
   Foster programs that encourage social support and empowerment, reducing isolation and improving a sense of belonging.

6. **Policy Support for Work-Life Balance**  
   Promote policies like flexible schedules and reasonable workloads to reduce work-related stress that can negatively impact self-esteem.

These combined efforts help create environments where individuals feel valued, capable, and supported—key factors for lowering self-esteem-related stress.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Strategies for Companies to Lower Self-Esteem Stress

1. **Foster a Supportive Work Environment**  
   Encourage open communication, recognize efforts regularly, and create a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.

2. **Provide Constructive Feedback**  
   Offer balanced, specific feedback focused on growth rather than criticism to help employees improve confidence.

3. **Offer Skill Development Opportunities**  
   Facilitate training sessions and workshops that help employees build competence and self-efficacy.

4. **Encourage Peer Support and Team Building**  
   Organize group activities or digital group sessions (e.g., via October) to promote connection and mutual encouragement.

5. **Promote Access to Mental Health Resources**  
   Provide access to counseling, digital assessments, and content that address self-esteem and related stressors.

Implementing these practices can reduce stress related to self-esteem and improve overall workplace wellbeing.