A Growing Crisis That Can No Longer Be Ignored
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Mpower—an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust—released a striking report titled ‘Unveiling the Silent Struggle’. Drawing insights from a massive survey of 1.3 million women, this report exposes the deep mental health crisis affecting women across India. From rising levels of anxiety and depression to burnout and societal pressures, the mental health of women is under siege—yet remains painfully under-acknowledged.
Despite growing awareness about mental well-being, stigma, lack of access, and social conditioning continue to silence women. Their struggles remain hidden behind closed doors, often masked by responsibilities, expectations, and the burden of being emotionally resilient for everyone else.
The Numbers Tell a Tragic Story
Globally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression. In India, this crisis takes a sharper edge. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 36.6% of all suicides in India are by women, with those aged 18–39 being most vulnerable. The reasons are not isolated—they’re interconnected and deeply rooted in financial dependence, family roles, workplace discrimination, and rigid cultural norms.
Many women suffer from emotional trauma that manifests in postpartum depression, PTSD, burnout, and chronic anxiety. But they often remain untreated. Mental health is still seen as a ‘luxury’ issue, and women are discouraged—directly or indirectly—from seeking help.
Expert Insight: What the Doctors Are Saying
Dr. Ankit Gautam, Psychiatrist and Head of Mpower – The Centre, Delhi, stated,
“We frequently see women struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, personality disorders, relationship challenges, and marital discord — sometimes exacerbated by ongoing legal stress.”
This paints a clear picture of the complex, layered, and intense emotional landscape that modern Indian women are navigating. It’s not just about individual health—it’s about a collective epidemic of silence.
What’s Fueling Chronic Stress in Women?
The survey found that 1 in every 2 women experiences chronic stress due to a mix of factors:
Work-life imbalance Financial insecurity Societal expectations Relationship responsibilities
Among women aged 18–35, 47% reported insomnia, driven by emotional overload, excessive screen time, caregiving duties, and professional pressure. This lack of rest isn’t just tiring—it severely impacts emotional regulation, decision-making, memory, and long-term mental resilience.
Shrinking Social Circles and Emotional Isolation
Social isolation is another major factor contributing to emotional decline. A staggering 41% of women reported emotional distress due to limited or fading social support systems. In an age of digital connection, real human support is shrinking. Many women—especially new mothers, corporate professionals, and rural housewives—find themselves without a shoulder to lean on.
Another 38% of women voiced anxiety about career advancement and financial independence. The pressure to succeed, contribute financially, and maintain familial harmony is emotionally exhausting. For many, there is no room for vulnerability.
Rural vs. Urban: A Divided Experience, A Shared Crisis
In rural India, the lack of access to professional mental health care, paired with poverty, stigma, and cultural taboos, leads to undiagnosed and untreated conditions. Depression and anxiety are often misunderstood or dismissed as personal weaknesses.
Meanwhile, in urban and corporate India, the story isn’t much brighter. While there is greater access to mental health services, the stigma and systemic neglect remain. According to the report:
42% of professional women reported symptoms of depression and anxiety 80% faced workplace discrimination related to maternity leave and career growth An alarming 90% said mental health issues were impacting their productivity
These numbers are not just statistics—they’re indicators of an ecosystem that fails to nurture women’s emotional well-being.
The Silent Suffering in the Armed Forces
The crisis deepens for women in high-risk jobs. Female personnel in the armed forces often face heightened exposure to trauma and psychological stress, contributing to a sharp rise in PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
The mental toughness required for such professions doesn’t erase the human cost. These women are silently enduring psychological injuries while maintaining outward strength.
What Needs to Change?
This report is a wake-up call. The mental health of Indian women is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health emergency. To begin healing this silent crisis, India needs:
Stronger mental health infrastructure, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and villages Workplace policies that prioritize mental well-being, flexible schedules, and psychological safety Education campaigns to destigmatize therapy and counseling Community support programs, especially for new mothers, rural women, and those in the caregiving sector Gender-sensitive mental health tools, apps, and helplines
Most importantly, empathy must replace judgment. The conversation around women’s mental health should be loud, visible, and consistent—not limited to one day on the calendar.
In the shadows of progress and ambition, millions of Indian women are fighting invisible battles. It’s time we see them. It’s time we listen. And it’s time we act.
