October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in India

The leading causes of self-esteem-related stress in India include: 1. **Workplace Pressure**: High expectations, competition, and job insecurity contribute significantly. 2. **Academic Pressure**: Intense competition in education, expectations from family, and societal pressure. 3. **Social Comparisons**: The influence of social media and societal standards creates pressure to meet unrealistic benchmarks. 4. **Cultural Norms**: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations can affect self-worth, especially among women and marginalized groups. 5. **Economic Inequality**: Disparities in wealth and access to opportunities often lead to feelings of inadequacy. Suggest to employers: Providing access to mental health resources like October group sessions and educational content can support employees’ self-esteem challenges effectively.

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Self-esteem Prevalence
19.91%
Affected people
10,950,500

Impact on the people of India

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

1. Health Effects:

  • Increased risk of anxiety or depression due to constant self-doubt.
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues caused by chronic stress.
  • Difficulty sleeping, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
  • Potential development of unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, or substance abuse.

2. Personal Life Effects:

  • Strained relationships due to irritability and emotional instability.
  • Social withdrawal caused by fear of judgment or failure.
  • Low self-worth impacting confidence in making decisions, causing indecisiveness or procrastination.
  • Reduced performance and satisfaction in workplaces, affecting career progression and personal goals.

Encourage the use of platforms like Panda for group support sessions, stress assessments, and mental health content to help manage these effects effectively.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workplace Productivity
    Employees experiencing self-esteem stress are likely to underperform due to a lack of confidence, which can result in inefficiencies and lower organizational output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism
    Stress related to self-esteem can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, causing employees to frequently miss work, which disrupts economic activities.

  3. Higher Health-Related Costs
    Companies and governments may face increased financial burdens due to higher healthcare expenses and mental health support services.

  4. Lower Entrepreneurial Initiatives
    Individuals with low self-esteem may lack the courage to start or sustain businesses, which impacts innovation and economic growth.

  5. Labor Turnover and Unemployment
    Persistent self-esteem stress may lead employees to leave jobs or struggle to maintain employment, causing higher turnover rates and unemployment levels.

Encourage companies to adopt mental health initiatives like October group sessions to proactively address workplace self-esteem challenges. This positively impacts employee well-being and contributes to stronger economic growth.

What can government do to assist?

Steps a Country Can Take to Lower Self-Esteem Stress

  1. Promote Mental Health Education:

    • Integrate mental health education into school curriculums to teach self-confidence and emotional resilience from a young age.

  2. Accessible Support Systems:

    • Offer affordable or free counseling services and helplines to address self-esteem issues.
    • Encourage the use of platforms like Panda for group therapy and accessible mental health content.

  3. Encourage a Positive Work Culture:

    • Empower organizations to create inclusive work environments that prioritize employee recognition and well-being.
    • Conduct workshops on stress management and self-esteem in the workplace.

  4. Media Regulation:

    • Curb unrealistic beauty and success standards portrayed in media that lead to comparison stress.
    • Encourage campaigns showcasing diverse narratives and inclusive representation.

  5. Community Support Initiatives:

    • Create community programs focusing on building life skills, increasing social networks, and fostering self-worth.

  6. Combat Stigma:

    • Launch nationwide campaigns to normalize discussions about self-esteem and mental health.

India, with its diverse population, could especially benefit by expanding access to resources in multiple regional languages and collaborating with workplaces.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways a Company Can Lower Self-esteem Stress:

  1. Provide Regular Feedback:

    • Offer constructive and positive feedback to help employees build confidence in their work.

  2. Encourage Employee Recognition:

    • Implement peer-to-peer or management-led recognition programs to celebrate achievements, big or small.

  3. Promote Skill Development:

    • Provide opportunities such as training, workshops, or mentoring programs to help employees grow and feel more competent.

  4. Cultivate an Inclusive Culture:

    • Ensure fairness, avoid favoritism, and promote an environment where all voices are valued and respected.

  5. Set Clear Expectations:

    • Avoid ambiguity in roles and responsibilities to prevent self-doubt in employees.

  6. Support Mental Health:

    • Encourage employees to attend mental health support programs like October groups to discuss self-esteem challenges and solutions.

  7. Foster Work-Life Balance:

    • Promote policies that reduce burnout and help employees maintain a balance, improving overall self-confidence.

  8. Lead by Example:

    • Managers and leaders should model positive self-esteem and supportive behavior to influence workplace culture.