October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in United States

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in the United States population is often related to social comparison, fueled by social media and workplace pressures. These platforms and environments create unrealistic standards for success, appearance, and achievement, leading many individuals to feel inadequate or less valued. Work-related factors such as job insecurity, performance expectations, and lack of recognition also significantly contribute to self-esteem stress on a broad scale. For workplace support, companies can use tools like October's digital group sessions and assessments to help employees build resilience and improve self-esteem collectively.

Self-esteem Prevalence
22.42%
Affected people
12,331,000

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of High Amount of Self-Esteem Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress due to constant self-evaluation and pressure to meet high standards.
  • Physical Health Problems: Stress can contribute to headaches, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.
  • Reduced Workplace Performance: Overemphasis on self-esteem may lead to burnout, perfectionism, and difficulty accepting feedback.
  • Strained Relationships: Heightened self-esteem stress can cause irritability, social withdrawal, or difficulty trusting others, impacting personal and professional relationships.
  • Impaired Decision-Making: Fear of failure or criticism may lead to avoidance, procrastination, and reduced risk-taking.

Workplace Recommendation:
Consider group sessions or assessments from platforms like October to help employees manage self-esteem stress, promote resilience, and maintain healthy work-life balance.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity
    Employees experiencing self-esteem stress may have decreased confidence, leading to lower motivation and productivity at work.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Turnover
    High self-esteem stress often contributes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, increasing absenteeism and employee turnover, which raise recruitment and training costs.

  3. Lower Innovation and Risk-Taking
    Employees under self-esteem stress may avoid taking risks or proposing new ideas, stifling innovation and slowing business growth.

  4. Higher Healthcare Costs
    Stress-related health problems increase healthcare expenses for employers and the wider economy.

  5. Negative Impact on Consumer Confidence
    A workforce struggling with mental well-being can reduce overall consumer spending, affecting economic demand.

Workplace Mental Health Support Suggestion:
Implementing tools like October's digital group sessions and assessments can help employees manage self-esteem stress, improving overall workplace morale and economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist?

To lower self-esteem stress on a national level, a country can:

1. **Promote Mental Health Education:** Integrate mental health literacy in schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and increase understanding about self-esteem issues.
2. **Enhance Workplace Support Systems:** Encourage businesses to adopt employee assistance programs and provide access to digital group sessions or counseling (October sessions are an example).
3. **Foster Inclusive Social Policies:** Implement policies that reduce discrimination, bullying, and social exclusion to create environments where all individuals feel valued.
4. **Support Community Engagement:** Fund community centers and social programs that encourage positive social interaction and peer support.
5. **Provide Accessible Mental Health Services:** Increase availability of affordable or free counseling and therapeutic services focused on self-esteem and stress management.

These strategies help create a supportive environment, improving individual self-worth and reducing stress related to self-esteem.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Promote Positive Feedback Culture
    Encourage managers and peers to give regular, constructive, and genuine positive feedback.

  • Provide Skill Development Opportunities
    Offer training and workshops to help employees build confidence in their abilities.

  • Foster Inclusive Work Environment
    Create a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone feels accepted and respected.

  • Encourage Open Communication
    Implement open-door policies and regular check-ins to discuss challenges and achievements.

  • Use October Digital Group Sessions
    Provide access to group sessions focusing on self-esteem building, resilience, and stress management.

  • Offer Mental Health Resources
    Share accessible resources and promote utilization of counseling or therapy benefits.

  • Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
    Help employees set achievable goals to avoid feelings of failure or inadequacy.