October Health – 2025 Report

Anxiety in India

The leading cause of anxiety and stress in India at the population level is often related to socioeconomic pressures, including financial instability, job insecurity, and intense academic competition. Rapid urbanization and changing social dynamics also contribute significantly. In the workplace, long working hours, lack of work-life balance, and high-performance expectations are common stressors. Offering digital group sessions through platforms like October can help organizations address these issues by providing accessible mental health support and stress management resources.

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Anxiety Prevalence
33.36%
Affected people
18,348,000

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues (e.g., hypertension, heart disease)
    • Weakened immune system leading to more frequent illnesses
    • Persistent headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue
    • Gastrointestinal problems like indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome

  • Mental Health:

    • Heightened risk of depression and other mood disorders
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or restless sleep
    • Increased irritability and emotional volatility

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships due to mood swings or withdrawal
    • Reduced productivity and focus at work
    • Difficulty balancing work-life responsibilities
    • Lowered motivation and enjoyment in daily activities

For workplace-related anxiety, incorporating digital group sessions through platforms like October can help employees collectively learn coping strategies and reduce stigma around seeking mental health support. Regular mental health assessments can also guide timely intervention.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: High anxiety among employees leads to decreased focus and efficiency at work, lowering overall output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Anxiety results in more sick leaves, causing workforce shortages and disrupting business operations.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs: Elevated anxiety levels increase demand for mental health services and treatments, raising healthcare expenditure for employers and the government.

  4. Decreased Consumer Spending: Anxiety-driven uncertainty can reduce consumer confidence, leading to lower spending and slowing economic growth.

  5. Talent Attrition and Recruitment Challenges: Increased stress can lead to higher turnover rates, making it costly and difficult for companies to retain and attract skilled employees.

Workplace Tip: Implement digital group sessions and mental health assessments (like those offered by October) to support employee wellbeing, improve productivity, and mitigate economic impacts.

What can government do to assist?

Actions a Country Can Take to Lower Anxiety and Stress

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

  2. Improve Access to Mental Health Services
    Increase availability and affordability of mental health care, including teletherapy and digital tools like October's group sessions.

  3. Implement Workplace Mental Health Policies
    Encourage organizations to adopt supportive work environments with flexible hours, mental health days, and employee assistance programs.

  4. Strengthen Social Support Systems
    Build community programs that foster social connections and provide support networks, helping reduce feelings of isolation.

  5. Enhance Economic and Job Security
    Develop policies aimed at reducing unemployment and financial insecurity, key stress triggers.

  6. Promote Healthy Lifestyles
    Support initiatives encouraging physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, all known to reduce anxiety.

Using digital platforms such as October can help companies implement group sessions and assessments to proactively support employee mental health.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways a Company Can Lower Anxiety and Stress

  1. Promote a Supportive Work Environment
    Encourage open communication, reduce stigma around mental health, and foster a culture of empathy.

  2. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
    Allow remote work, flexible hours, or reduced workloads during high-stress periods.

  3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
    Partner with platforms like October to offer digital group sessions, assessments, and curated mental health content to employees.

  4. Encourage Regular Breaks and Physical Activity
    Promote short breaks, mindfulness exercises, or yoga sessions during the workday.

  5. Train Managers to Recognize and Support Stress
    Equip leaders with skills to identify anxiety symptoms and provide appropriate support or referrals.

Implementing these can significantly reduce workplace anxiety and improve overall employee well-being.