October Health – 2025 Report

Trauma in India

The leading cause of trauma stress in India at the population level is often linked to collective stressors such as natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), communal violence, and socio-economic challenges including poverty and unemployment. Workplace-related stress due to job insecurity and high competition also contributes significantly. Supporting employees through workplace mental health programs, like October's digital group sessions, can help mitigate trauma stress arising from these factors.

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Trauma Prevalence
11.13%
Affected people
6,121,500

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Trauma Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illnesses
    • Chronic fatigue and headaches
    • Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or nightmares

  • Mental Health:

    • Higher likelihood of anxiety, depression, PTSD
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Emotional numbness or heightened emotional responses
    • Increased risk of substance abuse

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
    • Social withdrawal or isolation
    • Reduced work performance and motivation
    • Difficulty managing daily responsibilities and routines

Supporting employees through assessments, content, and group sessions like those provided by Panda can be beneficial in workplaces to mitigate these effects and foster resilience.

Impact on the India Economy

Effects of High Trauma Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing trauma-related stress often have lower concentration, motivation, and efficiency, leading to decreased overall productivity in workplaces.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs: Trauma stress can lead to physical and mental health issues, thereby increasing healthcare expenses for employers and public health systems.

  3. Higher Absenteeism and Turnover: Stress can cause frequent absenteeism and higher employee turnover, disrupting business operations and increasing recruitment and training costs.

  4. Lower Worker Engagement: Trauma stress affects morale and engagement, resulting in reduced innovation, slower problem-solving, and weaker teamwork.

  5. Economic Inequality: Populations heavily affected by trauma-related stress may face barriers to employment and skill development, exacerbating economic disparities.

Supporting employee mental health through programs like October’s digital group sessions and assessments can help mitigate these impacts by promoting resilience and improving workplace wellbeing.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies for a Country to Lower Trauma Stress

  1. Increase Access to Mental Health Services

    • Expand affordable, culturally sensitive mental health care across regions.
    • Provide training for local healthcare providers on trauma-informed care.

  2. Public Awareness Campaigns

    • Educate the public about trauma and its effects to reduce stigma.
    • Promote early help-seeking behavior through media and community programs.

  3. Community-Based Support Systems

    • Develop peer-support groups and digital group sessions, such as those offered by platforms like October, to foster connection and shared healing.

  4. Workplace Mental Health Initiatives

    • Encourage employers to implement trauma-informed policies and provide employee assistance programs.
    • Use digital tools to regularly assess and support employees' mental health.

  5. Crisis Response and Resilience Building

    • Provide timely psychological first aid after disasters or traumatic events.
    • Invest in resilience and coping skills training at schools and workplaces.

These approaches, combined, help create an environment that reduces the prevalence and impact of trauma stress on the population.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How Companies Can Lower Trauma Stress

1. **Create a Supportive Environment**  
   Foster open communication without stigma around mental health and trauma.

2. **Provide Access to Professional Support**  
   Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or partner with mental health platforms like October for digital group sessions and assessments.

3. **Train Managers and Leaders**  
   Equip them to recognize trauma symptoms and respond empathetically.

4. **Implement Flexible Work Policies**  
   Allow flexibility for affected employees to take time off or adjust workloads.

5. **Promote Trauma-Informed Practices**  
   Adapt workplace policies to acknowledge the impact of trauma on employee well-being and productivity.

Using platforms like October can help deliver tailored group sessions and ongoing mental health support remotely, making trauma stress management more accessible.