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 those stemming from social media, workplace expectations, and economic challenges. Factors such as job insecurity, competition in the workplace, and unrealistic standards portrayed online can significantly impact collective self-esteem levels. Companies could benefit from integrating support systems like digital group sessions and assessments through organizations like October to address these stressors and promote a healthier work environment.

Self-esteem Prevalence
24.25%
Affected people
13,337,500

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

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, negatively impacting overall mental well-being.

  2. Physical Health Problems: Chronic stress is associated with various health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and weakened immune responses.

  3. Interpersonal Relationships: High self-esteem stress can lead to irritability and mood swings, straining relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.

  4. Work Performance: Stress can hinder concentration and productivity, leading to decreased job performance and satisfaction.

  5. Coping Mechanisms: Individuals may resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like substance abuse or avoidance behaviors, impacting both personal health and social connections.

For workplaces, implementing support systems such as those provided by October and their partnerships, like those with October, can help employees manage stress effectively through digital group sessions and resources.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity: High self-esteem stress can lead to reduced work performance as individuals may feel overwhelmed, impacting overall output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Employees experiencing elevated stress levels are more likely to take sick leave, leading to disruptions in operations and increased costs for businesses.

  3. Higher Turnover Rates: Organizations may face higher employee turnover as stressed individuals seek healthier work environments, resulting in recruitment and training costs.

  4. Increased Healthcare Costs: Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, increasing the burden on healthcare systems and raising costs for employers covering health insurance.

  5. Reduced Consumer Spending: Individuals with high self-esteem stress may prioritize saving over spending, negatively impacting retail and service industries.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Mental Health Education: Implement programs in schools and workplaces to educate individuals about self-esteem and mental health, emphasizing the importance of positive self-image.

  • Encourage Open Discussions: Create safe spaces for discussions about self-esteem and mental health, reducing stigma and allowing individuals to share experiences and support each other.

  • Support Mental Health Services: Increase funding for mental health services, making them accessible and affordable, including therapy options that focus on self-esteem issues.

  • Implement Workplace Initiatives: Encourage employers to provide workshops on self-esteem and offer resources like digital group sessions from companies like October to support employee mental health.

  • Policies for Inclusivity: Develop and enforce policies that promote diversity and inclusion, helping individuals feel valued and respected within their communities and workplaces.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Foster a Supportive Culture: Encourage open communication and create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their struggles without fear of judgment.

  • Provide Training and Development: Offer workshops focused on building skills, personal development, and resilience to boost employee confidence and self-esteem.

  • Implement Regular Feedback: Create a system for constructive feedback that focuses on strengths and areas of improvement, helping employees recognize their value and potential.

  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and manage their workloads effectively to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

  • Offer Access to Mental Health Resources: Consider using services like October and October for digital group sessions and assessments that can help employees manage stress and improve self-esteem.