October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in India

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in India at the population level is often linked to societal and cultural pressures, including academic and career expectations, social comparison fueled by social media, and traditional family roles. Workplace-related stressors like job insecurity and performance pressure also significantly impact self-esteem. Offering workplace mental health support such as group sessions addressing self-worth and stress management, like those provided by October, can help employees manage these pressures effectively.

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Self-esteem Prevalence
19.56%
Affected people
10,758,000

Impact on the people of India

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

  • Mental Health Impact

    • Increased anxiety and worry about maintaining self-image.
    • Risk of burnout due to pressure to meet high personal standards.
    • Possible development of perfectionism leading to chronic dissatisfaction.

  • Physical Health Consequences

    • Stress-related symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
    • Weakened immune response due to ongoing stress.

  • Personal Life Effects

    • Strained relationships from high expectations of self and others.
    • Social withdrawal to avoid situations where self-esteem might be challenged.
    • Reduced work-life balance caused by overcommitment and stress.

Workplace Tip: To manage self-esteem stress, encourage open conversations about mental health and consider digital group sessions through platforms like October, which can provide supportive assessments and content tailored to these issues.

Impact on the India Economy 

 Effect of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

1. **Reduced Productivity:**  
   Employees experiencing high self-esteem stress may face anxiety and self-doubt, leading to decreased focus and efficiency at work.

2. **Increased Absenteeism and Turnover:**  
   Stress related to self-esteem issues can cause burnout, sickness, or job dissatisfaction, increasing absenteeism and employee turnover, which raises recruitment and training costs.

3. **Lower Innovation and Collaboration:**  
   Individuals overwhelmed by self-esteem stress may avoid risks or collaboration, diminishing creativity and teamwork essential for economic growth.

4. **Higher Healthcare Costs:**  
   Mental health challenges linked to self-esteem stress lead to more medical claims and workplace mental health interventions, impacting company finances and national healthcare systems.

5. **Impact on Consumer Confidence:**  
   A workforce with low morale and self-esteem stress can reduce overall economic confidence and spending, slowing economic growth.

 Workplace Intervention Suggestion

- Implementing digital group sessions and mental health assessments through platforms like **Panda** can support employees, reduce self-esteem stress, and promote a healthier, more productive economy.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Self-Esteem Stress

1. **Promote Inclusive Education**  
   - Incorporate mental health and self-esteem building modules in school curriculums.  
   - Encourage skill-building activities that foster confidence from a young age.

2. **Support Workplace Mental Health**  
   - Enforce policies that promote a healthy work-life balance.  
   - Encourage companies to provide mental health resources (e.g., digital group sessions, assessments).  
   - Recognize employee achievements regularly to boost morale.

3. **Public Awareness Campaigns**  
   - Run nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health issues.  
   - Highlight positive role models and stories to inspire self-worth.

4. **Accessible Mental Health Services**  
   - Increase availability and affordability of counseling, therapy, and support groups.  
   - Utilize digital platforms for wider reach, such as platforms like October for group sessions and assessments.

5. **Community Engagement**  
   - Foster community programs that encourage social connection and support.  
   - Create safe spaces where individuals can share experiences and seek encouragement.

Implementing these combined measures can significantly reduce self-esteem stress at a societal level.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Promote a Positive Work Culture: Encourage recognition and appreciation of employees' efforts regularly.
  • Provide Constructive Feedback: Focus on strengths and areas of growth in a supportive manner.
  • Offer Skill Development Opportunities: Help employees build confidence through training and upskilling.
  • Encourage Open Communication: Create safe spaces for employees to share concerns without judgment.
  • Implement Mental Health Support: Use platforms like October’s digital group sessions and assessments to address self-esteem issues collectively and individually.

These steps can help reduce stress related to low self-esteem in the workplace.