October Health – 2025 Report

Depression in India

The leading cause of depression-related stress in India at the population level is primarily tied to socioeconomic factors, including financial instability, unemployment, and poverty. Other significant contributors include societal pressures related to academic and career success, family expectations, and rapid urbanization leading to social isolation. Work-related stress, such as job insecurity and excessive workload, also plays a critical role. Digital group sessions and workplace mental health programs like those offered by October can be effective tools for organizations to address and mitigate these widespread stressors.

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Depression Prevalence
20.71%
Affected people
11,390,500

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Depression Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illnesses
    • Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances
    • Changes in appetite causing weight fluctuations

  • Mental Health:

    • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness
    • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
    • Increased anxiety and risk of suicidal thoughts
    • Lowered resilience to daily stressors

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family and friends
    • Reduced productivity and motivation at work
    • Social withdrawal and isolation
    • Impaired ability to perform daily activities and maintain self-care

For workplace support, companies can use Panda’s digital group sessions and assessments to help employees manage and reduce depression-related stress effectively.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Depression Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Depression lowers employee motivation, concentration, and energy, leading to decreased output and efficiency.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism
    Employees may take more sick days or be physically present but mentally unengaged, affecting overall business performance.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs
    Treatment for depression can increase healthcare expenses for both employers and the public health system.

  4. Loss of Skilled Labor
    Prolonged depression may cause talented employees to leave the workforce permanently, creating skill shortages.

  5. Negative Impact on Economic Growth
    Lower productivity and higher unemployment rates reduce GDP growth and economic stability.

  6. Strain on Social Services
    Increased demand for mental health and welfare services can stretch government and organizational resources.

Workplace Recommendation:
Implementing mental health support programs, like digital group sessions from platforms such as October, can help companies reduce depression-related stress, improve employee wellbeing, and enhance economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist? 

 Actions a Country Can Take to Lower Depression and Stress

1. **Improve Mental Health Awareness**
   - Launch nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health.
   - Educate the public on recognizing symptoms of depression and stress.

2. **Enhance Access to Mental Health Services**
   - Increase availability of affordable, quality mental health care.
   - Integrate mental health services into primary health care.

3. **Promote Workplace Mental Health**
   - Encourage companies to implement mental health programs (e.g., October sessions).
   - Mandate mental health training for managers to recognize and support employees.

4. **Strengthen Social Support Systems**
   - Foster community support networks.
   - Provide helplines and digital resources for immediate support.

5. **Implement Policies for Work-Life Balance**
   - Enforce reasonable working hours and provide paid leave.
   - Support flexible work arrangements.

6. **Address Socioeconomic Factors**
   - Tackle poverty, unemployment, and education gaps.
   - Provide safety nets for vulnerable populations.

If your organization is looking to support employee mental health specifically, using platforms like October for digital group sessions and assessments can be highly effective.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How Companies Can Lower Depression and Stress

  1. Promote Open Communication
    Encourage a stigma-free environment where employees feel safe discussing mental health.

  2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
    Offer counseling services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), or partner with platforms like October for digital group sessions and assessments.

  3. Encourage Work-Life Balance
    Implement flexible working hours and promote taking breaks to reduce burnout.

  4. Train Managers
    Equip managers to recognize signs of depression and stress and to respond empathetically.

  5. Create a Supportive Workplace Culture
    Foster social support through team activities and peer support groups.

  6. Reduce Workload Pressure
    Manage reasonable workloads and provide clear expectations to reduce stress.

Using a platform like Panda can enhance mental health support via digital group sessions and tailored content, making it easier for employees to access help discreetly.