October Health – 2025 Report

Chronic illness in India

The leading cause of chronic illness stress in India is often linked to lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, poor diet, and high levels of pollution. Additionally, socio-economic challenges, including limited access to healthcare, financial stress, and socio-cultural pressures, significantly contribute to the overall burden of chronic illness and associated stress among the population. Addressing mental health in the workplace through initiatives like those offered by October can help employees manage stress related to chronic illness and improve overall well-being.

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Chronic illness Prevalence
4.8%
Affected people
2,640,000

Impact on the people of India

Effects of Chronic Illness Stress

Physical Health:

  1. Increased Fatigue: Chronic stress can exacerbate fatigue, making it harder to manage daily activities.
  2. Weakened Immune System: Stress affects immune function, leading to higher susceptibility to infections.
  3. Chronic Pain: Stress can amplify the perception of pain, worsening existing conditions.

Mental Health:

  1. Anxiety and Depression: Ongoing stress from chronic illness can lead to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms.
  2. Cognitive Function: Stress can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.

Personal Life:

  1. Relationship Strain: Stress can impact personal relationships due to mood changes and social withdrawal.
  2. Work Performance: Chronic illness stress may lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and workplace conflicts.
  3. Lifestyle Changes: Individuals may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as isolation or substance use, impacting overall wellbeing.

Support Recommendations

  • Consider using platforms like October to access mental health resources such as group sessions and assessments specifically designed to help navigate stress and improve overall mental well-being in the workplace.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity: Chronic illnesses can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are present but not fully functioning, diminishing overall productivity.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs: Higher prevalence of chronic illnesses results in increased healthcare expenditures for both individuals and employers, affecting profitability and financial resources.

  3. Lower Employee Retention: High stress due to chronic illness can lead to job dissatisfaction and higher turnover rates, incurring further costs for recruitment and training.

  4. Disability Claims: A rise in chronic illness can increase the number of disability claims, putting financial strain on social security systems and employers’ insurance costs.

  5. Impact on Economic Growth: A less productive workforce can impede economic growth, as fewer people are able to contribute effectively to the labor market.

  6. Mental Health Decline: Chronic illness stress can lead to mental health issues, further impacting productivity and workplace morale.

Encouraging organizations to adopt digital group sessions like those from October may help employees manage stress related to chronic illnesses effectively.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies to Lower Chronic Illness Stress

  1. Enhance Healthcare Access
    Improve access to healthcare services, including preventive care, that focus on chronic disease management.

  2. Promote Mental Health Awareness
    Implement national campaigns to raise awareness about the mental health impacts of chronic illnesses and reduce stigma.

  3. Support Workplace Initiatives
    Encourage companies to adopt mental health programs, like those offered by October and October, to provide employees with support and resources.

  4. Encourage Physical Activity
    Develop community programs that promote fitness and healthy living to alleviate the physical and psychological burdens of chronic illness.

  5. Facilitate Support Groups
    Establish community support networks and groups for individuals managing chronic illness, helping them share experiences and coping strategies.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Promote a Healthy Work Environment: Encourage a culture of wellness that integrates physical, mental, and social health initiatives.
  • Flexibility in Work Arrangements: Offer options for remote work or flexible hours to accommodate medical needs and reduce stress.
  • Access to Mental Health Resources: Provide services like digital group sessions and counseling through platforms like October to support employees dealing with chronic illness.
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Implement EAPs that provide confidential counseling and resources for managing chronic illness and stress.
  • Regular Health and Wellness Workshops: Organize workshops focusing on stress management, coping strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices.