October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in India

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in India is often related to societal pressures and expectations. Factors include: 1. **Academic and Career Pressure**: High expectations for academic performance and success in careers can lead to feelings of inadequacy. 2. **Cultural Norms**: Societal standards regarding appearance, success, and behavior can create a significant impact on individuals’ self-worth. 3. **Social Comparison**: The constant comparison to peers on social media platforms can exacerbate feelings of low self-esteem. 4. **Family Expectations**: Pressure from family to conform to specific roles or achievements can contribute significantly to self-esteem stress. Implementing mental health support, such as digital group sessions from platforms like October, can help address these issues collectively in the workplace.

Self-esteem Prevalence
20.41%
Affected people
11,225,500

Impact on the people of India

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

  1. Mental Health Issues: Elevated stress levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, impacting overall mental well-being.

  2. Physical Health Problems: Chronic stress is linked to various health issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, and weakened immune function.

  3. Relationship Strain: Stress can diminish communication skills, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts in personal and professional relationships.

  4. Decision-Making Impairments: High stress may cloud judgment, resulting in poor decision-making in both personal life and workplace environments.

  5. Reduced Productivity: In a work setting, stress can hinder concentration and efficiency, ultimately affecting job performance and satisfaction.

Recommendations

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Encourage practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress levels effectively.

  • Seek Support: Using platforms like October and October can provide access to group sessions and resources to cope with workplace stress.

Impact on the India Economy

High levels of self-esteem stress can significantly impact an economy in various ways:

  1. Reduced Productivity: Employees with high self-esteem stress may experience decreased motivation and engagement, leading to lower overall productivity in the workplace.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: High stress levels can result in higher rates of absenteeism due to mental health issues, which can further disrupt workforce stability and economic output.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs: Organizations may face increased healthcare costs associated with employees seeking help for stress-related issues, impacting overall business expenses and economic efficiency.

  4. Higher Turnover Rates: Employees struggling with self-esteem stress may be more likely to leave their jobs, leading to increased recruitment and training costs for businesses.

  5. Impact on Consumer Behavior: Individuals with high self-esteem stress may cut back on spending due to financial insecurity or stress-related conditions, which can affect local and national economies.

Promoting mental health support through initiatives like those offered by October can help mitigate these effects by fostering a healthier workplace environment.

What can government do to assist?

  1. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Implement campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and self-esteem, focusing on the importance of self-worth and its impact on overall well-being.

  2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their mental health struggles without stigma, particularly in educational institutions and workplaces.

  3. Supportive Policies: Create policies that promote work-life balance, including flexible work hours and mental health days, to reduce stress and improve overall self-esteem.

  4. Access to Resources: Provide accessible mental health resources, such as workshops, support groups, and digital platforms like October's services, to help individuals gain skills and support.

  5. Training for Employers: Offer training for employers on recognizing signs of low self-esteem and stress in employees, equipping them with strategies to support their teams effectively.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  1. Promote Open Communication: Encourage an environment where employees feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.

  2. Provide Training and Development: Offer workshops focusing on skills that enhance confidence and competence, helping employees feel more capable in their roles.

  3. Regular Feedback and Recognition: Implement a system for constructive feedback and regularly recognize employees' achievements to boost their self-worth.

  4. Encourage Peer Support Groups: Facilitate support groups where employees can share experiences and strategies for managing self-esteem issues.

  5. Use Digital Mental Health Resources: Consider integrating services like October that provide employees with digital group sessions and content focused on improving mental health and self-esteem.