A staggering 42% of women in business environments are struggling with symptoms of sadness and anxiety, with nearly all of them - a whopping 90% - reporting that these mental health concerns are taking a toll on their productivity. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for workplaces to prioritize mental health support and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for women to thrive.

On International Women's Day 2025, recent data from Mpower, the Aditya Birla Education Trust's mental health program directed by Mrs. Neerja Birla, sheds light on the rising challenges that women confront across India. Survey results from Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata show frightening levels of academic stress, corporate burnout, and deep-seated cultural pressures, all contributing to a mental health crisis that requires immediate attention.

The thorough study, titled Unveiling the Silent Struggle, is based on data gathered over the last year from 1.3 million women. It demonstrates that globally, women are about twice as likely as males to suffer from anxiety and depression. In India, the situation is much more dire: women account for 36.6% of all suicides, with young women aged 18-39 being especially vulnerable, according to National Crime Records Bureau data. These statistics highlight the crucial need to address mental health in a country where stigma and traditional taboos continue to prevent women from getting treatment.

Mpower's findings are complex, demonstrating that mental health issues do not affect just one part of society. Data from cities such as Mumbai hint at a complicated web of stressors. Dr. Harshida Bhansali, Head of Mpower The Centre and Senior Psychiatrist, stated that Mumbai faces a variety of challenges, including relationship issues, separation, and emotional dysregulation, as well as parenting challenges such as raising children with special needs or non-suicidal self-injury. Issues of autonomy in decision-making, financial dependency, single parenting, fertility, and hormonal concerns all contribute to their mental health burden."

Her findings demonstrate how metropolitan women face a convergence of personal and cultural forces that exacerbate their mental health problems.

"Despite these hurdles, many women's mental health remains a secret struggle, sometimes overlooked in the face of family and societal expectations. Seeking immediate help is critical. Women can recover control of their emotional well-being, enhance their resilience, and live more satisfying lives with the correct support—whether through therapy, psychiatric care, or the development of coping strategies. Dr. Bhansali added.

These forthright words emphasise that, while there are significant obstacles, there is still a road to recovery if women receive appropriate, caring assistance.

The poll also reveals considerable discrepancies across various populations. Rural women engaged in Project Samvedana, a collaboration with the Maharashtra government, face ongoing financial insecurity, social shame, and insufficient access to mental health services. In business environments, 42% of women express symptoms of sadness and anxiety, with 90% stating that these mental health concerns have a negative influence on their productivity. The results show that women in the armed forces experience high rates of PTSD, trauma, and anxiety disorders, which are exacerbated by workplace harassment and home abuse.

These findings have prompted expert recommendations, including the inclusion of mental health services in primary healthcare systems; mandated screenings during prenatal and postnatal care; and the development of strong, woman-centered workplace regulations. Furthermore, community support programs and media campaigns to de-stigmatise mental health talks are viewed as critical to overcoming the hurdles that prevent women from receiving necessary assistance.

Mpower's comprehensive data not only reveals the scope of the mental health issue but also sparks a call to action for governments, healthcare professionals, and society as a whole. As India marks International Women's Day, this research serves as a wake-up call: treating women's mental health is more than just a medical imperative; it is a societal obligation.