Bengaluru: India’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce is entering the job market with more than ambition and optimism. Many are stepping in already carrying stress, anxiety and emotional strain, according to a new report.
The State Of Emotional Wellbeing Report 2025 by 1to1help, an employee assistance programme (EAP) provider, based on more than 100,000 counselling sessions between December 2024 and November 2025, points to a clear shift in when mental health challenges begin to show up. The most noticeable change is among those under 25. Their share of counselling users increased sharply to 14% in 2025 from 3% in 2024.
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This suggests that for a growing group of young professionals, distress is not something that builds gradually through work pressures but is already present as they step into the workplace.
Even as this younger segment expands, the majority of counselling users continue to fall in the early career bracket. Employees aged 25-30 accounted for 37% of sessions, followed by those between 31 and 35 (23%). Women accounted for a slightly higher share of counselling sessions, at around 53%, compared to men (46%), despite lower workforce participation. Differences also emerged in the nature of concerns, with men more likely to seek support for workplace-related issues, while women were more likely to seek help for social and relationship-related concerns.
What emerges across these groups is not a single defining issue, but a pattern of ongoing internal strain. Stress and anxiety remain the most commonly reported emotional states, followed by feelings of confusion, hurt and insecurity. For many, this shows up less as a single crisis and more as a constant mental load. Overthinking or rumination is reported in nearly a quarter of cases, along with negative thought patterns, a perceived lack of support and rigid expectations from oneself.
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Over time, this begins to affect how individuals function. Some struggle to maintain basic self-care, while others report difficulty communicating, changes in sleep or a drop in productivity.
While personal concerns continue to form the largest share of conversations (46%), workplace-related issues are becoming more prominent, increasing to 15% in 2025 from 13% in the year before.
Challenges that begin outside of work often carry into the workplace, shaping how individuals engage with colleagues, handle pressure and make decisions.
The findings also reflect how major life transitions can intensify emotional strain. While parenting-related concerns account for a smaller share of counselling conversations, the broader data shows that family relationships are the most impacted (19%), alongside challenges in self-care and sleep. At the more severe end of the spectrum, the data points to the presence of significant psychological risk. Around 26% of individuals who sought counselling showed signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, with 5% requiring immediate intervention due to active intent.
“I hope this report acts as both a mirror and a compass, reflecting the emotional well-being challenges facing employees across India today, and pointing toward the collective action needed to meet them,” said Mahua Bisht, CEO, 1to1help.
The State Of Emotional Wellbeing Report 2025 by 1to1help, an employee assistance programme (EAP) provider, based on more than 100,000 counselling sessions between December 2024 and November 2025, points to a clear shift in when mental health challenges begin to show up. The most noticeable change is among those under 25. Their share of counselling users increased sharply to 14% in 2025 from 3% in 2024.
Also Read: 0.4 million new employees availed fiscal benefit under PMVBRY
This suggests that for a growing group of young professionals, distress is not something that builds gradually through work pressures but is already present as they step into the workplace.
Even as this younger segment expands, the majority of counselling users continue to fall in the early career bracket. Employees aged 25-30 accounted for 37% of sessions, followed by those between 31 and 35 (23%). Women accounted for a slightly higher share of counselling sessions, at around 53%, compared to men (46%), despite lower workforce participation. Differences also emerged in the nature of concerns, with men more likely to seek support for workplace-related issues, while women were more likely to seek help for social and relationship-related concerns.
What emerges across these groups is not a single defining issue, but a pattern of ongoing internal strain. Stress and anxiety remain the most commonly reported emotional states, followed by feelings of confusion, hurt and insecurity. For many, this shows up less as a single crisis and more as a constant mental load. Overthinking or rumination is reported in nearly a quarter of cases, along with negative thought patterns, a perceived lack of support and rigid expectations from oneself.
Also Read: India Inc bets on mid-level talent; expects moderate salary hikes: Report
Over time, this begins to affect how individuals function. Some struggle to maintain basic self-care, while others report difficulty communicating, changes in sleep or a drop in productivity.
While personal concerns continue to form the largest share of conversations (46%), workplace-related issues are becoming more prominent, increasing to 15% in 2025 from 13% in the year before.
Challenges that begin outside of work often carry into the workplace, shaping how individuals engage with colleagues, handle pressure and make decisions.
The findings also reflect how major life transitions can intensify emotional strain. While parenting-related concerns account for a smaller share of counselling conversations, the broader data shows that family relationships are the most impacted (19%), alongside challenges in self-care and sleep. At the more severe end of the spectrum, the data points to the presence of significant psychological risk. Around 26% of individuals who sought counselling showed signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, with 5% requiring immediate intervention due to active intent.
“I hope this report acts as both a mirror and a compass, reflecting the emotional well-being challenges facing employees across India today, and pointing toward the collective action needed to meet them,” said Mahua Bisht, CEO, 1to1help.
