October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in India

The leading causes of self-esteem stress in India can be attributed to several societal and cultural factors: 1. **Educational Pressures**: The intense competition in academics and the societal emphasis on grades and educational achievements can lead to significant self-esteem issues. 2. **Workplace Expectations**: High expectations from employers regarding performance, productivity, and career progression contribute to stress and impact self-worth. 3. **Social Comparisons**: A culture that often values peer comparisons and social media portrayals can lead to diminished self-esteem among individuals in the population. 4. **Gender Roles**: Traditional gender roles and expectations can impact self-esteem, particularly for women in terms of balancing career and family responsibilities. 5. **Stigma Around Mental Health**: Lack of awareness and stigma related to mental health issues can prevent open discussions about self-esteem challenges, exacerbating feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Organizations can address these issues by fostering a supportive work environment, offering mental health resources like those from October, and promoting a culture that values individual strengths over comparisons.

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. Increased Anxiety: High self-esteem stress can lead to anxiety as individuals feel pressured to maintain a certain image or standard.

  2. Burnout: The constant need to prove oneself can result in physical and emotional burnout, diminishing overall work performance and personal satisfaction.

  3. Relationship Strain: Stress from self-esteem issues may lead to conflicts in relationships, as individuals may struggle to communicate their needs or feel insecure.

  4. Physical Health Issues: Chronic stress can manifest in physical health problems, such as headaches, digestive issues, and weakened immune response.

  5. Impaired Decision-Making: High stress levels can cloud judgment, leading to poor decision-making both at work and in personal life.

For employees grappling with these challenges, digital group sessions from companies like October can provide supportive environments to address self-esteem issues and manage stress effectively.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity: High self-esteem stress can lead to decreased motivation among employees, resulting in reduced productivity in the workplace.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Employees experiencing high levels of stress may take more sick days, causing disruptions in workflow and increased costs for employers.

  3. Higher Turnover Rates: Chronic stress can lead to employee burnout and dissatisfaction, increasing turnover rates and the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.

  4. Healthcare Costs: Elevated stress levels may lead to physical and mental health issues, increasing healthcare costs for both employees and employers.

  5. Economic Inequality: Businesses that neglect employee mental health may experience poor performance, contributing to economic disparities as some companies thrive while others struggle.

  6. Impact on Innovation: High stress can stifle creativity and innovation, hindering economic growth and the development of new products or services.

Promoting mental health support, like that offered by October's digital group sessions, can mitigate these effects by fostering a healthier workplace environment.

What can government do to assist?

  1. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Implement nationwide campaigns to educate the public about self-esteem and mental well-being.

  2. Supportive Work Environments: Encourage employers to create positive workplaces that recognize and appreciate employee contributions.

  3. Access to Mental Health Services: Enhance availability of counseling and therapy, both online and in-person, focusing on self-esteem issues.

  4. Educational Programs: Integrate self-esteem building activities in school curriculums to foster resilience from a young age.

  5. Community Engagement: Develop community support groups and workshops that focus on self-improvement and personal growth.

  6. Encourage Open Dialogues: Establish safe spaces for individuals to express their feelings and share experiences without stigma.

  7. Digital Support Platforms: Implement platforms like October that provide resources and group sessions aimed at improving mental health and self-esteem in workplaces.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  1. Promote Inclusivity: Foster a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, helping employees feel accepted and respected.

  2. Encourage Open Communication: Establish channels for employees to share their ideas and concerns, which can enhance their sense of worth and belonging.

  3. Provide Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, boosting their self-esteem.

  4. Facilitate Skill Development: Organize workshops and training sessions that empower employees to enhance their skills and confidence.

  5. Implement Mental Health Support: Utilize services like October's digital group sessions or assessments to provide professional support for employee mental health.