Mental Health and Well-being: A Gendered Perspective

In every industry, there are trailblazers who challenge the status quo, break barriers, and redefine success. Adgully has been turning the spotlight on women are at the forefront of this movement – fearlessly innovating, leading, and inspiring change – with our special IP – Women Disruptors.

In the run-up to the Women Disruptors event this year, Adgully is featuring women thought leaders from diverse industries to explore the journeys of these remarkable women who refuse to settle for the way things have always been and share their valuable insights – because true progress happens when bold individuals dare to disrupt.

In this thoughtful article, Jyotsna Dash Nanda, AVP, Corporate Communications, DS Group, writes as International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action”, it is a poignant moment to reflect on the mental health challenges Indian women face and the urgent need for systemic change. This global day of celebration and advocacy reminds us that while progress has been made, achieving gender equality—and by extension, mental well-being for women—still demands decisive action. Consider the story of Meera, a 32-year-old teacher in Delhi. Despite excelling professionally and managing her household, she often feels crushed under the weight of societal expectations. From being a dutiful daughter-in-law to an ideal mother and a high-performing employee, Meera’s life is a balancing act that leaves little room for her own emotional needs. Like many Indian women, she battles anxiety and burnout, exacerbated by cultural norms that glorify self-sacrifice over self-care.

Indian women face mental health struggles rooted in deeply entrenched patriarchal structures. From early childhood, they are conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over their own, often at the expense of their emotional well-being. This pressure manifests in various ways. For instance, women are often expected to conform to traditional roles as caregivers and homemakers, even when they hold full-time jobs. Single or divorced women face additional stigma, with societal narratives framing them as incomplete or failures. Gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and harassment, remains pervasive, leaving survivors with depression or PTSD, but hesitant to seek help due to fear of judgment or ostracism. Economic inequities also play a role, as women frequently earn less than men for the same work and are underrepresented in leadership roles. This financial dependency can lead to feelings of helplessness and exacerbate mental health issues.

The “double burden syndrome” is another reality for many working women, who bear the dual responsibility of professional duties and household chores, leading to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health issues discourages women from seeking professional help. For example, postpartum depression is underdiagnosed due to cultural taboos around discussing maternal struggles openly. To address these challenges, workplaces and society at large must take proactive steps to support women’s mental well-being. This includes implementing flexible work policies, providing access to counseling services tailored specifically for women’s needs, and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against workplace harassment.

Cultural shifts are equally essential. Society must redefine success for women beyond traditional milestones like marriage or motherhood. Celebrating diverse achievements can alleviate undue pressure on women to conform to rigid roles. Encouraging men to participate equally in household chores can reduce the disproportionate burden on women, fostering healthier family dynamics. Grassroots initiatives can create peer support networks for women dealing with mental health challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. Schools should incorporate gender sensitivity training into curricula to challenge stereotypes from an early age and promote emotional resilience among young girls.

The intersectionality of caste, class, and geography complicates Indian women’s mental health landscape further. For instance, rural women face barriers such as limited access to healthcare services or psychiatrists, leaving many conditions untreated. Urban slum dwellers often describe their struggles using culturally specific terms like “tension”, reflecting distress linked to poverty and domestic conflict rather than clinical diagnoses. Understanding these nuances is crucial for designing effective interventions tailored to different contexts. Additionally, life stages such as puberty, perinatal periods, or menopause bring unique stressors for Indian women that require specialized support systems.

This International Women’s Day calls on all stakeholders—governments, organizations, communities—to “accelerate action” toward gender equality by addressing systemic barriers that hinder women's mental well-being. By fostering supportive workplaces, challenging societal norms, and building robust community networks, we can create an environment where women like Meera no longer feel crushed under societal expectations but empowered to lead fulfilling lives—mentally healthy and emotionally resilient. As we celebrate the achievements of women this March 8th, let us also commit to ensuring their mental health is no longer a silent struggle but a shared responsibility across society. Together, we can accelerate progress toward a future where every woman thrives—not just survives—in every aspect of her life.