October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in United Kingdom

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in the United Kingdom is often linked to societal pressures, particularly around career success, body image, and social media influences. These factors create an environment where individuals feel constant comparison with others, leading to decreased self-esteem and increased stress. In the workplace, high expectations and competitive cultures can also exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. To address this, companies can implement supportive mental health initiatives, such as workshops on self-esteem and resilience, and consider using digital group sessions from October or October to foster a more positive work environment.

Self-esteem Prevalence
24.38%
Affected people
13,409,000

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

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

  1. Mental Health Issues:
    High self-esteem stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Individuals may feel pressured to maintain their self-image, causing emotional distress.

  2. Physical Health Decline:
    Chronic stress can result in physical health problems such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular disease due to heightened cortisol levels.

  3. Interpersonal Relationships:
    Overly high self-esteem can create unrealistic expectations, leading to conflicts and strains in personal relationships. It may result in arrogance or insensitivity toward others' feelings.

  4. Workplace Performance:
    Individuals may experience burnout or decreased productivity due to the constant pressure to perform well. This stress can lead to absenteeism or turnover.

  5. Coping Mechanisms:
    High self-esteem stress often results in unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance abuse, overeating, or social withdrawal, further complicating personal and professional life.

Encouraging employees to participate in digital group sessions offered by services like October may help address these issues collectively, providing support and coping strategies.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Employees with high self-esteem stress may experience lower motivation and increased anxiety, leading to decreased productivity.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: High stress levels can result in more sick days taken by workers, negatively impacting overall economic output.

  3. Higher Health Care Costs: Stress can lead to physical and mental health issues, increasing costs for both employers and the healthcare system.

  4. Workplace Conflict: Stress may contribute to interpersonal conflicts, disrupting teamwork and collaboration, which are essential for economic growth.

  5. Impact on Talent Retention: Companies may struggle to retain talent if employees are stressed and unhappy, leading to higher turnover rates and costs associated with recruitment and training.

Employers should consider implementing supportive mental health initiatives, such as those offered by October or October, to mitigate these effects on both employees and the economy.

What can government do to assist?

  1. Promote Mental Health Awareness: Implement nationwide campaigns to educate people about mental health, reducing stigma associated with seeking help.

  2. Supportive Workplace Policies: Encourage companies to adopt mental health policies that foster a supportive environment, including flexible working arrangements.

  3. Access to Resources: Increase access to mental health resources, such as counselling services, and platforms like October for organizational support.

  4. Community Programs: Establish community initiatives that provide workshops and groups focused on building self-esteem and resilience.

  5. Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment in schools and workplaces where individuals feel safe to express their feelings and challenges related to self-esteem.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

  • Offer Training and Development: Provide opportunities for skill enhancement, which can boost confidence and self-esteem.

  • Recognize Achievements: Implement a recognition program to celebrate both small and large accomplishments, helping employees feel valued.

  • Promote Work-life Balance: Encourage flexible working arrangements to help employees manage their personal and professional commitments effectively.

  • Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Offer resources such as workshops, and consider a partnership with a mental health platform like October for additional support.