Indian women are silently battling a mental health crisis that’s been swept under the rug for far too long. Research is finally starting to expose the harsh truth: women across India are shouldering a disproportionate load of mental illness. But here’s the thing—stigma, lack of support, and societal pressure are still keeping their struggles locked away. Great priorities: mental health can wait, but wedding planning can’t.
A recent study by Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, reveals that nearly half of Indian women experience chronic stress, with 47% struggling with insomnia. The study, which surveyed 1.3 million women across various demographics, highlights that 41% experience social isolation, and 38% report high anxiety over career growth and financial stability.
Let’s be honest—being a woman in India today feels like a constant juggling act. You’re expected to be a dedicated employee, a perfect daughter, a proper "sanskari bahu", an unconditionally loving mother, an Instagram-worthy girlfriend, and the emotional backbone of the family, all while making sure you’re not “too emotional” or “too choosy.” It’s no wonder so many women are mentally and emotionally doomed.
We don’t talk about it enough; if we tried, we were ignored and suppressed, but we are quietly going through a mental health crisis. Behind the smiles , expensive makeups, and “I’m fine” texts, there’s burnout, anxiety, sleepless nights, abuses, deep sadness, and helplessness that no one sees.
Let’s break it down.
The Pressure to Do It All Together
Whether you’re a working professional, a homemaker, or trying to balance both, the load is massive. Indian women are often raised with the belief that they have to take care of everyone else first. So even if you’re battling stress at work, constantly trying to reach the goal, but you come home and continue to carry the weight—managing the house, worrying about family, keeping calming your crying babies, or just trying to live up to the never-ending expectations. Otherwise your slightest expression of disgust or aggression will make you face the infinite "emotional atyachar" series!
Work Stress for Real
Suppose you’re trying to make your elders or your high-paying spouses or anyone from those categories understand that you’ve got to be more committed to your own tasks or you’re having such a bad day at your workplace—for most of the time you will get a frowned expression! It can surely turn all your efforts and dedications into a big question: “ Am I doing anything wrong?” Self-doubt is now starting to hike rather than your salary!
But yes, work stress is real. From toxic workplaces to long hours and illogical demands, unhealthy competitions push many women to their breaking point. But they don’t always have the option to quit or speak up, especially if they’re financially supporting the family.
The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old EY employee in Pune, shocked the nation and reignited conversations about workplace stress and toxic expectations. Her story is not isolated. Countless women silently endure extreme work pressure, often without mental health support, until their resilience breaks.
Safety Anxiety: The Peeping Fear
Every woman in India—no matter how independent or empowered—has that tiny voice in her head that constantly checks, “Is this place safe?” The fear of harassment, both outside and inside the home, takes away at a woman’s sense of relief. Some carry trauma from past experiences, and many deal with daily anxiety just trying to exist safely in public spaces. It’s suffocating!
Money Matters, Mental Health Suffers
Add to that financial pressure. Many women are chasing to grab their dreams; some are expected to contribute to the household. That’s still a fight. Feeling financially stuck or dependent can create a sense of helplessness that impacts mental well-being in big ways.
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, stigma remains a significant barrier preventing women from seeking help. Cultural expectations and societal norms often discourage open discussions about mental health, leading to underreporting and lack of treatment.
Unpopular opinion: Internalized patriarchy Driving Women Against Women
While patriarchy and societal pressure are major contributors to women’s mental health struggles, an often-overlooked truth is that sometimes, women themselves can become sources of emotional burden for other women. This happens when internalized patriarchy plays out through judgment, comparison, gossip, or enforcing outdated roles—whether in families, workplaces, or social circles.
Mothers pressuring daughters into marriage, demeaning her dreams; female colleagues discouraging and pushing down others’ growth; or relatives shaming choices around career or motherhood—these subtle behaviors can deeply affect a woman’s self-esteem and mental stability.
It’s a Hushed Problem
Here’s the thing—mental health is still a whispering topic. Women are told to “adjust,” “stay strong,” or just pray about it. When someone tries to speak up, they’re often met with judgment, trolling, or pity instead of support. So, they choose silence. They bottle it all up. And that silence? It turns into anxiety, depression, burnout, and so many more. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue, with affected women often experiencing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have found that women subjected to IPV exhibit high levels of depression and PTSD symptoms.
Government Initiatives and Legal Frameworks
Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, clearly stated that one of the most common misconceptions about women’s mental health is that they are inherently more emotional or unstable than men. This stereotype overlooks the complex interplay of biological, social, and psychological factors influencing mental well-being.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian government has taken steps to address mental health challenges:
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: This act decriminalizes attempted suicide and ensures access to mental healthcare services, emphasizing the rights of individuals with mental illness.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS): Launched in October 2022, this initiative aims to improve access to mental health care services across the nation, providing 24/7 support through trained professionals.
- KIRAN Helpline: A toll-free 24/7 mental health helpline (1800-599-0019) launched in September 2020 to provide psychological support, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Perspectives and the Need for Continued Advocacy
Globally, the mental health of women is gaining attention. Melinda French Gates has highlighted the global neglect of women’s health, revealing the existence of widespread “maternity care deserts,” increasing maternal death rates, and restricted access to abortion following the 2022 overturning of Roe v Wade in the US. To combat these issues, she is launching a $250 million fund through her organization, Pivotal, aimed at improving women’s physical and mental health worldwide.
Dr. Harshida Bhansali, Centre Head at Mpower, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues: “Despite facing immense challenges, mental health remains a silent struggle for many women. Seeking timely support through therapy, psychiatric care, and coping strategies is crucial for emotional well-being and resilience.”
Addressing women’s mental health isn’t just about battling external systems; it’s also about reflecting inward and breaking cycles of internalized bias so that women can support—not sabotage—each other.
It’s Time to Choose You!
If you’ve read this far and thought, “Yes, this sounds like me,” you’re not alone. So many women feel like they’re barely holding it together. And the truth is—you shouldn’t have to do it all alone.
That’s where Infragilis Minds comes in.
How Infragilis Minds Can Help You
We’re not just a counseling service. We’re a safe space created for women by women who understand your world.
Here’s what we offer:
- One-on-One Counseling: Talk to a professional who gets you—without fear, judgment, or awkwardness.
- Work-Life Support: Learn how to manage stress, set boundaries, and protect your energy.
- Healing Spaces: Join circles with other women where you can just be you, no filters.
- Stigma-Free Conversations: We’re actively working to normalize therapy and mental health care for Indian women.
You deserve peace. You deserve rest. You deserve support.
Let’s stop suffering in silence. Let Infragilis Minds walk with you toward healing.
Reach out today. You don’t have to do this alone.