October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in India

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in India is often linked to societal pressures and expectations related to success, education, and career achievements. Factors such as intense competition in academics and the job market, societal norms regarding status and financial success, and the stigma associated with mental health play significant roles. Additionally, the rise of social media can exacerbate these issues by creating unrealistic comparisons. To mitigate this, organizations can adopt support programs focusing on mental wellness, such as those provided by October, which offer resources for improving employee self-esteem and managing stress effectively.

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Self-esteem Prevalence
20.78%
Affected people
11,429,000

Impact on the people of India

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

  1. Mental Health Issues: Elevated self-esteem stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, as individuals may feel they need to constantly prove themselves.

  2. Physical Health Problems: Chronic stress can lead to physical ailments such as headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive issues, impacting overall well-being.

  3. Interpersonal Relationships: High self-esteem stress may cause irritability and tension in relationships, as individuals might project their pressures onto others or struggle to connect authentically.

  4. Work Performance: It can impair job performance due to excessive self-imposed pressure, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism.

  5. Imposter Syndrome: Individuals may experience imposter syndrome, feeling like a fraud despite their accomplishments, which can further exacerbate stress and anxiety levels.

Consider using platforms like Panda for resources and group sessions that can provide support and strategies to manage stress related to self-esteem in the workplace.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity: High self-esteem stress can lead to burnout and decreased motivation, significantly affecting employees' productivity levels.

  2. Increased absenteeism: Employees may take more sick leave or show up less frequently due to stress-related health issues, affecting overall workforce availability.

  3. Higher Turnover Rates: Organizations may face increased turnover, as employees leave jobs that induce high self-esteem stress, leading to recruitment and training costs.

  4. Reduced Innovation: Stress can stifle creativity and willingness to take risks, slowing down innovation within firms and impacting economic growth.

  5. Healthcare Costs: An increase in mental health issues due to self-esteem stress can lead to higher healthcare costs for companies, impacting their financial health and performance.

Implementing programs like those from October, including digital group sessions and mental health assessments, can help mitigate these effects by providing support and proactive strategies for employees.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies to Lower Self-Esteem Stress in India

  1. Education on Mental Health: Implement educational programs in schools and workplaces to raise awareness about self-esteem and its impact on mental health.

  2. Promote Inclusivity: Create policies that promote diversity and inclusivity, reducing stigma and discrimination in workplaces.

  3. Access to Counseling Services: Increase access to affordable mental health services, including counseling, helplines, and online platforms like October.

  4. Skills Development Programs: Offer workshops and training sessions that focus on building confidence and self-efficacy among employees and students.

  5. Positive Media Campaigns: Launch campaigns that celebrate diverse body types and talents to challenge societal norms and stereotypes.

  6. Peer Support Groups: Encourage the formation of peer support groups in schools and workplaces to provide a safe space for sharing experiences and building self-esteem.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways to Lower Self-Esteem Stress in the Workplace

  1. Foster Open Communication
    Encourage employees to share their feelings and challenges without fear of judgment. This promotes a supportive environment.

  2. Provide Constructive Feedback
    Focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. Offer specific, actionable feedback to help employees improve and feel valued.

  3. Encourage Professional Development
    Offer training and workshops focused on skill enhancement. This can boost confidence and competence.

  4. Implement Peer Support Programs
    Create mentorship or buddy systems where employees can support each other, fostering a sense of belonging.

  5. Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage time off and flexible working hours to help employees recharge and manage stress.

  6. Utilize Resources like October and October
    Facilitate access to mental health resources, such as group sessions and assessments, to help employees address self-esteem issues.

Implementing these strategies can create a healthier workplace culture and reduce self-esteem stress among employees.