Increase in uptake of counselling services
According to Mahua Bisht, CEO of 1to1help, “Our pre-screening findings reveal that several people who reach out for counselling for the very first time are struggling with anxiety and depression. Over 30% of them screened positive for severe depression and severe anxiety.”
She said the findings also showed “the crucial role managers play in the well-being of their teams, given that 59% of employees who their managers referred exhibited signs of suicidal risk and a tendency towards self-harm.”
The report highlighted an increase in the uptake of counselling services among corporate employees, with mental health concerns rising to 15%. As compared to previous years, mental health was one of the top two concerns for which employees reached out for counselling.
The support sought through counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress increased to 15%. While counselling related to workplace concerns constituted 11% of the total counselling sessions, workplace relationship-related discussions claimed the top spot, comprising 23% of all such discussions.
The report said that people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and no longer view it as taboo, which has led them to seek counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or stress, the report said.
Counselling uptake by men rose by 7%, with 70% of financial consultations undertaken by men. This reflects their worries about economic anxiety and societal pressure surrounding their role as the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. However, more women came forward to counselling sessions.
The report also highlighted the benefits of counselling.
It said that among those who initially screened positive for depression, 53% reported a significant decrease in depression symptoms, and 48% reported decreased anxiety.
“These results show that structured counselling can effectively address emotional challenges and promote well-being in a short period,” it said.