Balancing Work and Life: Understanding the Mental Health Experiences of Working Women in India

The participation of women in the Indian workforce has been increasing gradually in recent decades. However, it has not been balanced by the corresponding release of its traditional gender roles and household duties. Consequently, a large number of working women still have to deal with multiple roles, and they become more vulnerable to mental health issues. The paper discussed the existing literature to develop a comprehensive understanding of the mental health experiences of working women in India. Studies were carried out in various occupational environments such as education, the health care sector, corporations and informal jobs. Emotional burnout and chronic stress are normally caused by long working hours, lack of organisational support, and societal expectations that women are the main caregivers at home. Despite being economically independent, many women reported feeling emotionally overburdened and undervalued both at work and within the household. The literature also reflects the effects of broader structural and cultural phenomena, such as gender inequality, stigma in relation to mental health, and lack of awareness about psychological well-being. The study adopted a thematic review approach and concluded by highlighting future research directions and policy initiatives that need to be taken to improve the healthier work environments and a more equitable work-life integration.