Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata Survey Highlights High Levels of Academic Stress, Corporate Burnout
Women’s mental health is in crisis. Globally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety and depression. In India, they account for 36.6% of all suicides, with young women aged 18-39 most vulnerable (National Crime Records Bureau). Yet, stigma and societal taboos continue to prevent them from seeking help.
On International Women’s Day, Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust led by Mrs. Neerja Birla, presents its ‘Unveiling the Silent Struggle’ data drawing insights from its extensive mental health interventions for women across India. Conducted over a year with data from 1.3 million women, the study captures the mental health struggles of college students, corporate professionals, rural women, and women in the armed forces, underscoring the need for urgent intervention.
Mpower The Centre Head Dr. Harshida Bhansali, Senior Psychiatrist shared: “Mumbai is navigating a complex landscape of challenges—ranging from relationship concerns, separation, and emotional dysregulation to parenting struggles, including raising children with emotional difficulties, special needs, or non-suicidal self-injury. Issues of autonomy in decision-making, financial dependence, single parenting, fertility, and hormonal concerns further add to their mental health burden.”
Dr. Bhansali further added: “Despite these challenges, mental health remains a silent struggle for many women, often deprioritized amidst family and societal expectations. Seeking timely intervention is crucial. With the right support—whether through therapy, psychiatric care, or building coping strategies—women can regain control of their emotional well-being, strengthen their resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives.”
Key Findings:
- Stress and Anxiety: 1 in 2 women report chronic stress from work-life balance, financial pressures, and social expectations.
- Sleep Disruptions: 47% suffer from insomnia, affecting cognitive and emotional well-being especially in women age group 18 to 35 years
- Social Isolation: 41% feel emotionally distressed due to limited social circles.
- Academic and Workplace Pressures: 38% experience heightened anxiety about career growth and financial stability.
Mental Health Across Demographics:
Rural Women:
Through Project Samvedana, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, Mpower interventions positively impacted 1.28 million rural women, revealing widespread financial instability, social stigma, and limited access to mental health care. Many reported experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Corporate Women:
- 42% report symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- 80% face workplace stereotypes on maternity leave and career growth.
- 90% say mental health issues impact productivity.
Women in the Armed Forces:
- High cases of PTSD, trauma exposure, and anxiety disorders.
- Fear of stigma discourages seeking mental health support.
- Struggles include harassment, domestic violence, and work-life balance challenges.
City-Specific Trends in age group 18 to 35 years:
- Mumbai: High levels of academic stress and corporate burnout.
- Delhi: Safety concerns and harassment contribute to heightened PTSD and anxiety.
- Kolkata: Strong social networks exist, but stigma prevents professional help-seeking.
On-Ground Impact – The Power of Seeking Help
Across Mpower’s centres in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, the findings are validated daily. More women are seeking mental health support, but barriers remain.
Expert Recommendations:
- Integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems for easier access and early intervention.
- Promote government collaboration to position mental health as a public health priority for women’s health.
- Implement mandatory mental health screenings during prenatal and postnatal check-ups to identify conditions like postpartum depression.
- Incorporate mental health support into Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), with a focus on women returning from or going on maternity leave.
- Similarly distribute woman-centric mental health information to other health products and services for women.
- Provide accessible, confidential support systems for women to reach out for mental health help.
- Psycho-educate young girls about mental health and empower them to express their concerns without fear or shame.
- Create safe, supportive spaces within homes for women to freely express their mental health needs.
- Promote workplace policies that support mental health, including stress management programs and flexible work arrangements.
- Foster community-based support systems like peer support groups and mental health networks tailored for women.
- Leverage media campaigns to normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma among women.
Mpower remains committed to breaking barriers and ensuring women across India receive the mental health support they deserve. These findings will drive policy reforms, corporate interventions, and nationwide mental health programs.