Incidence of depression and anxiety among working men and women

Overview: 

Mental well-being is key to a productive and thriving workforce, yet it often receives less attention, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Behind every workplace role is a person balancing deadlines, relationships, financial pressures, and personal challenges. 

In this collaborative study, One Health Trust researchers explored the mental health of working men and women in India, focusing on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers surveyed nearly 2,700 employees, mostly from call centers, to understand how factors such as age, finances, workplace relationships, social media use, and family dynamics affect mental well-being. 

The Question: 

 What factors predict depression and anxiety among India’s working population and do these factors differ for men and women? 

The Findings:  

• Nearly one in four women and one in six men reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both.
• Younger workers, those facing financial stress, or those with conflicts at work, were more likely to experience poor mental health.
• For women, domestic violence, being unmarried, and not having siblings were additional predictors of depression and anxiety.
• Women in general reported higher levels of both depression and anxiety than men.
• Frequent social media use and high personal or job-related stress were linked to the highest mental health challenges.
• Having siblings seemed to provide a protective effect for men but not for women.

The study shows that mental health struggles among India’s working population, especially women, often stem from both life at home and pressures at work. Behind every statistic are real people trying to balance responsibilities, expectations, and personal challenges. By building workplaces where employees feel supported, heard, and safe to speak about their mental health, we can not only improve lives but also create stronger, more resilient organizations. 

Read the article in PLOS Mental Health here.