Are Working Women Professionals in Corporate Able to Deal with “Work Stress” ?- a Qualitative Insight from Bengaluru, India

National Mental Health Survey, India 2016 identifies common mental disorders are increasing in India and the risk factors identified were more among females, 40–59 age group, and urban-metro-dwellers. Bengaluru, referred to as "India's Silicon Valley," is home to a thriving corporate culture that has transformed not only the economic environment but also the social fabric, particularly concerning working women. The current study is part of a bigger study where the tested tool ‘Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-(DASS)-21’ was administered to 101 women to understand their current mental status. Based on the outcome of the scale, women with higher stress levels were identified and interviewed for a qualitative study that focused on their life course. The objective of the current study is to explore whether women professionals working in corporates have any coping mechanisms to deal with work stress and if they have, what are those mechanisms in case of stress, anxiety and depression. Face to face in-depth interviews were conducted among 10 women with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression based on their consent. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for the interview focusing on their life course events and coping mechanisms. Key themes were identified, and deductive analysis was conducted. Thematic saturation and extensive memos were used to draw inferences and interpretations. Confidentiality of the information was maintained. The study found that most women were stressed as they struggled to make a work-life balance. The findings highlighted the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address mental health challenges in the workplace. Meditation, yoga, pursuing hobbies, dancing, music, spiritual practices, and counseling sessions were the coping mechanisms helpful in managing stress.