October Health – 2025 Report

Anxiety in India

The leading cause of anxiety stress in India at the population level is primarily related to socio-economic factors such as job insecurity, financial instability, and high academic and career expectations. Urbanization and rapid lifestyle changes also contribute significantly to increasing anxiety levels. Workplace pressures, along with societal stigma around mental health, further exacerbate these stressors. For organizations, integrating mental health support like digital group sessions through platforms such as October can help employees manage workplace anxiety effectively.

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Anxiety Prevalence
33.96%
Affected people
18,678,000

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on Health and Personal Life

Health Effects:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues (e.g., hypertension, heart disease)
  • Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses
  • Sleep disturbances such as insomnia
  • Digestive problems (e.g., ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Muscle tension and headaches

Personal Life Effects:

  • Difficulty maintaining relationships due to irritability or withdrawal
  • Reduced productivity and focus at work, increasing job stress
  • Avoidance of social situations, leading to isolation
  • Lowered overall quality of life and happiness
  • Increased risk of developing mental health conditions like depression

Workplace Help:

  • Employers can provide access to mental health resources like Panda's digital group sessions and assessments to manage anxiety.
  • Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces stigma and supports affected employees.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity
    Employees experiencing high anxiety have decreased concentration, leading to lower output and efficiency.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism
    Anxiety can cause more sick leaves (absenteeism) and diminished performance while at work (presenteeism), impacting overall economic output.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs
    Anxiety-related health issues increase medical expenses and insurance claims, burdening employer resources and public health systems.

  4. Lower Workforce Participation
    Chronic stress may lead individuals to withdraw from the labor market, reducing the available talent pool.

  5. Decreased Consumer Spending
    Anxiety can cause uncertainty and reduced confidence, leading to lower consumer spending, affecting business revenues.

  6. Impaired Innovation and Creativity
    Mental health struggles limit employees’ ability to think creatively and innovate, slowing economic growth.

Workplace Mental Health Support Tip: Implementing digital group sessions and mental health assessments like those offered by October can help reduce anxiety-related impact on employees, improving productivity and overall economic health.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Mental Health Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma and educate people about anxiety and stress.

  • Improve Workplace Mental Health: Encourage organizations to implement stress management programs, flexible work hours, and access to counseling services like October's digital group sessions.

  • Expand Access to Mental Health Services: Increase the availability of affordable and accessible mental health care, including teletherapy and community clinics.

  • Integrate Mental Health in Education: Incorporate stress management and emotional wellbeing curricula in schools and colleges.

  • Strengthen Social Support Systems: Foster community programs and peer support groups to reduce isolation and provide help.

  • Implement Policies for Work-Life Balance: Enforce regulations to limit excessive work hours and ensure employee rights.

  • Use Technology for Early Detection and Support: Utilize digital assessments and content platforms like October to identify stress early and provide timely interventions.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How a Company Can Lower Anxiety and Stress

1. **Promote Open Communication**  
   Encourage employees to express concerns without fear of judgment. Managers should be approachable and supportive.

2. **Implement Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Allow options like remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks to help employees manage personal and professional life balance.

3. **Provide Mental Health Resources**  
   Offer access to counseling services, mental health apps, or digital group sessions such as those provided by October for ongoing support.

4. **Create a Supportive Environment**  
   Train managers to recognize signs of stress and anxiety, and cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being.

5. **Encourage Regular Breaks and Physical Activity**  
   Support short breaks, mindfulness sessions, or office yoga to reduce tension.

6. **Conduct Stress and Mental Health Assessments**  
   Use tools to identify at-risk employees early and tailor interventions appropriately.

Offering resources like October’s digital group sessions and assessments can seamlessly integrate mental health support within the workplace.