Nearly one in two women in India battles chronic stress due to work-life pressures, financial instability, and societal expectations, while 47 percent suffer from insomnia, particularly those aged 18-35, according to a new study by Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust. The report, ‘Unveiling the Silent Struggle’, highlights the alarming state of women’s mental health, drawing insights from 1.3 million women across diverse demographics, including corporate professionals, rural women, college students, and those in the armed forces.
Released on International Women’s Day, the study underscores the urgent need for intervention, revealing that 41 percent of women experience social isolation, while 38 percent report high anxiety over career growth and financial stability. 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.
Mental health disparities across demographics
The study finds that mental health struggles vary across different sections of society:
Rural Women: Mpower’s ‘Project Samvedana,’ in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, impacted 1.28 million women, uncovering high levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, largely due to financial instability, stigma, and lack of mental health support.
Corporate Women: Workplace stress remains a major issue, with 42% reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety, 80 percent facing stereotypes around maternity leave, and 90 percent saying their mental health struggles impact productivity.
Women in the Armed Forces: Many struggle with PTSD, trauma exposure, and anxiety disorders, yet fear of stigma discourages them from seeking professional help. Additional stressors include harassment, domestic violence, and work-life balance challenges.
City-specific trends (aged 18-35 years)
Mumbai: High academic stress and corporate burnout.
Delhi: Safety concerns and harassment contribute to PTSD and anxiety.
Kolkata: Despite strong social networks, stigma prevents many from seeking professional help.
Call for urgent action
Mpower’s Centre Head, Dr. Harshida Bhansali, noted the need for proactive intervention. “Despite facing immense challenges, mental health remains a silent struggle for many women. Seeking timely support through therapy, psychiatric care, and coping strategies is crucial for emotional well-being and resilience,” she said.
Expert Recommendations
The study calls for immediate intervention, including:
Integrating mental health into primary healthcare for easier access.
Government-backed initiatives to position mental health as a public health priority.
Mandatory postpartum mental health screenings to detect conditions like postpartum depression.
Workplace mental health policies supporting stress management and flexible work.
Public awareness campaigns to break stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.
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