Women’s Mental Health in Crisis? Almost 50% Have Disrupted Sleep, Anxiety; Survey Reveals Several Startling Findings

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 those aged 18-39 being the most vulnerable, as per government data. Yet, stigma and societal taboos continue to prevent them from seeking help. A recent survey covering 1.3 million women across Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata found staggering high levels of academic stress and corporate burnout, among others.

Almost 50% Of Women Have Disrupted Sleep, Anxiety

The survey, done by Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, captured the mental health struggles of college students, corporate professionals, rural women, and women in the armed forces. Titled Unveiling the Silent Struggle, it was conducted over a year with data from 1.3 million women and the findings underscored the need for urgent intervention.

These are the 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 the 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.

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Mental Health Across Demographics:

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 the 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.

Dr. Harshida Bhansali, senior psychiatrist, Mpower the centre head said, "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 added, "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."

As per experts, these 11 steps can help mental health for women become a mainstream point of discussion:

1. Integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems for easier access and early intervention.
2. Promote government collaboration to position mental health as a public health priority for women’s health.
3. Implement mandatory mental health screenings during prenatal and postnatal check-ups to identify conditions like postpartum depression.
4. Incorporate mental health support into Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), with a focus on women returning from or going on maternity leave.
5. Distribute woman-centric mental health information to other health products and services for women.
6. Provide accessible, confidential support systems for women to reach out for mental health help.
7. Psycho-educate young girls about mental health and empower them to express their concerns without fear or shame.
8. Create safe, supportive spaces within homes for women to freely express their mental health needs.
9. Promote workplace policies that support mental health, including stress management programs and flexible work arrangements.
10. Foster community-based support systems like peer support groups and mental health networks tailored for women.
11. Leverage media campaigns to normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma among women.

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