Mumbai: The recently observed World Mental Health Day was themed “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” The focus was on the impact of mental health on productivity and work-life balance. A majority of Indian corporate employees face immense pressure to meet tight deadlines and targets, often at the expense of their own well-being. This is a long-standing issue with no immediate end in sight.
Mental health remains a taboo subject in Indian society, and this has led to the situation worsening. Today, long working hours, high pressure, lack of personal time, and unrealistic deadlines have become a standard part of employment. ETHealthworld engaged with several mental health experts to delve deeper into the situation and discuss solutions for improving work conditions and work-life balance.
Major barriers to accessing mental health support
The socio-cultural stigma surrounding mental health in India creates significant barriers to accessing care. This challenge is amplified by limited awareness, particularly in rural areas, where misconceptions discourage people from seeking help. The shortage of mental health professionals further complicates access, leading to long wait times and inadequate support. Financial constraints also make mental health services unaffordable for many.
Dr Neerja Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Emoneeds says innovative approaches like teletherapy and mental health apps can help bridge these gaps by offering affordable, remote access to therapy and resources, particularly in underserved regions. Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems could also improve access, allowing individuals to receive support during routine medical visits. “Additionally, large-scale awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy are crucial in encouraging people to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination,” she notes.
Mental health in India is often neglected or misunderstood, with many unaware of its importance or available resources. “One major challenge is the severe shortage of mental health professionals—India has only 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people, leading to a significant service gap, particularly in rural areas,” says Tarun Gupta, Co-Founder, Lissun. “Raising awareness and integrating mental health services into primary care, with a focus on affordability and accessibility, is key to ensuring support reaches those in need.”
Despite the widespread prevalence of mental health issues, there remains a significant gap between the demand for mental health services and their availability. This shortfall is due to low investment in mental health promotion, prevention, and care. Stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses against people with mental health conditions create additional barriers, especially for marginalized groups such as pregnant women.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the mental health landscape, intensifying stress, anxiety, and isolation. Uncertainty about the virus, coupled with financial instability, health concerns, and social distancing, created a perfect storm for mental health challenges. Many individuals experienced heightened anxiety due to health fears, while prolonged isolation contributed to increased rates of loneliness and depression. Frontline workers, in particular faced immense psychological strain, and those already struggling with mental health issues saw their conditions worsen.
Dr Aggarwal noted, “The pandemic also disrupted access to in-person mental health services, leaving many without crucial support. Lockdowns and mobility restrictions amplified feelings of helplessness, especially in vulnerable populations. Additionally, the shift to remote work and online learning blurred boundaries, contributing to burnout and stress for both adults and children. However, the pandemic also spurred the rise of teletherapy and online mental health platforms, offering accessible solutions to meet the soaring demand for mental health support.”
Gupta added, “The disruption of daily routines, limited social interactions, and fear of illness worsened existing mental health conditions, while many others developed new ones. Lockdowns and social distancing also limited access to mental health services, leaving many individuals without necessary support.”
Sheena Sood, Psychologist & Counselor, PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, said, “The pandemic impacted not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. The anxiety surrounding the pandemic was high due to lockdowns and the loss of loved ones. Technology played a key role in making mental health support more accessible, and the stigma around seeking help lessened as people began to understand the psychological adjustment required for the ‘new normal.'”
The pandemic affected not just adults but also children and adolescents. The impact on children’s mental health was immense, with a London School of Economics analysis estimating that mental disorders among young people cost the global economy nearly $390 billion annually. Mental disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders significantly harm young people’s health, education, and future earning capacity. In India, only a minority of young people believe that those with mental health issues should seek help, in contrast to attitudes in other countries.
Mental health education in schools and communities
Schools can play a pivotal role in changing how mental health is perceived by integrating it into their curriculum. Teaching students about mental health from a young age can normalise conversations around emotional well-being and reduce the stigma often associated with it. When students understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, they are more likely to seek help when needed and support their peers in doing the same.
“Mental health stigma is pervasive, affecting societies at multiple levels. A transformation is needed in how mental health issues and psychosocial well-being are addressed. Families need support programs that promote positive parenting and nurturing caregiving. In schools, it’s vital to ensure children learn in safe environments with access to mental health services. Creating a supportive learning environment can help identify at-risk students and provide necessary support,” said Tanuja Babre, Mental Health Expert, UNICEF.
“In communities, mental health education can empower individuals to recognise signs of distress and foster a supportive environment for open conversations. Training teachers, parents, and community leaders enhances their ability to provide guidance. Initiatives that encourage open discussions can dismantle stereotypes and biases, creating a more inclusive and empathetic society,” added Dr Aggarwal.
India’s global standing on work-life balance
India lags in global standards in work-life balance, with long working hours and high expectations leading to increased stress and burnout. In sectors such as finance, IT, and consulting, gruelling schedules with little separation between work and personal life have led to physical ailments, like chronic back pain and fatigue, as well as rising mental health issues.
A tragic example is the death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, whose mother attributed her passing to overwhelming work stress at EY in Pune. Such stories underscore the systemic issues in work culture. To address these concerns, organisations must prioritize employee well-being by adopting flexible work policies, raising awareness of mental health, and managing workloads more realistically. Building a supportive work culture where employees feel safe discussing their stress and mental health can reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Recently, stock market watchdog SEBI raised concerns about the toxic work culture in India’s capital companies, highlighting issues like unrealistic targets, high pressure, public humiliation, and excessive surveillance. Babre added, “Globally, 15 per cent of working-age adults experience mental disorders, leading to the loss of 12 billion workdays annually due to depression and anxiety (ILO, 2019). India has the highest weekly working hours in South Asia but the lowest per capita GDP, creating an environment of high turnover and poor leadership.”
Society’s role in supporting better mental health
A society that prioritises mental well-being can significantly improve its members’ overall health. Raising mental health awareness through education campaigns in schools, workplaces, and communities enables individuals to recognise distress signs and access support.
“Open conversations about mental health foster a culture of empathy, making it easier for individuals to share their experiences. Community initiatives, peer support groups, and workplace wellness programs can further enhance this supportive environment. Advocating for policies that promote mental health, such as affordable care, workplace flexibility, and mental health education, ensures well-being becomes an accessible priority,” shared Dr Aggarwal.
Gupta added, “In societies where mental health is prioritized, well-being is openly discussed, and there’s no stigma in seeking help. Teaching children about mental health from an early age sets the foundation for empathy and self-awareness. A collective focus on mental well-being strengthens and benefits everyone.”
Policymakers’ role in making mental health equitable and accessible
Governments and organisations must ensure the effective implementation of mental health policies, laws, and regulations in workplaces, schools, and communities. Increased investment in community-based mental health interventions is crucial to making mental health support more accessible through informal systems.
“Mental healthcare should be viewed through a socio-ecological lens, where families, schools, and communities work together to support mental well-being,” said Babre.
Countries like the UK have integrated mental health services with general healthcare, and programs like the NHS Talking Therapies provide timely support. In Australia, the “Headspace” initiative offers mental health services to young people in schools and community centres. In India, adapting such models—through expanding telemedicine platforms, offering rural subsidies, and integrating mental health into school curricula—could help bridge gaps. Training and deploying mental health professionals in underserved areas would also create a more equitable system.
Aggarwal stated, “Policymakers can make mental health more equitable and accessible by implementing policies that prioritise affordability, integration with primary healthcare, and the reduction of stigma. Key strategies include ensuring that mental health services are part of the public health system, making them widely available to underserved populations, and incorporating mental health into primary care settings. This approach would reduce the reliance on specialised facilities and make care more accessible in rural and remote areas.”
As we highlight the importance of mental health and its significance today, let us not forget the immense void left by the passing of India’s Ratan, Ratan Tata. A visionary par excellence, he not only established Tata as a global brand but also as a formidable force. He was indeed a rare gem, irreplaceable and the personification of humility, perseverance, and success. There may not be a single corporation, entrepreneur, or industrialist globally who did not look up to Ratan Tata for his philanthropy and contributions to the Indian economy. Tata Trusts began work in mental healthcare when mental health was barely recognised, with limited understanding of mental well-being and its impact on overall health. Tata Trusts not only provided financial support but also offered grants, direct implementation, and co-partnership strategies with government and non-government organisations. Today, though the man, the myth, the legend, Ratan Tata, is no longer with us, the profound impact he had on the lives of millions remains his legacy—a legacy that will endure for generations.
