Words: ITC Feel-Good Fiama Mental WELL-BEING SURVEY
- ‘Fun of Missing Out.’ 67 per cent of Indian GenZs redefine the outlook towards FOMO and mental health
- Music is the preferred choice for 86 per cent Indians to coping with stress and negativity
- Yoga, meditation, and exercise win hearts of 86 per cent Indians to combating stress
- 75 per cent Indian GenZs watch a pick-me-up a TV/OTT series, or feel-good movie to unwind.
Attitudes towards mental well-being, in our country, have been gradually evolving with increased awareness towards reducing the stigma commonly associated with this issue.
The ITC Feel-Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2023 [cf. World Happiness Day (March 20, 2024)], sheds light on GenZ, redefining their outlook towards a happier state of mind and a sense of contentment. Commissioned with NielsenIQ, the Survey covered a gamut of beliefs, behaviours and major stressors for GenZ and Millennials towards mental health, while identifying de-stressors that bring them happiness and a sense of calmness.
Contrary to the ‘Fear of Missing Out’ on social events and activities, GenZ embraces a fresh perspective towards FOMO as ‘Fun of Missing Out’. This shift in perspective empowers individuals to setting boundaries, prioritising their well-being, and engaging in what truly brings them joy and fulfillment.
The Survey illustrates, that, despite the varied causes of stress and increasing anxiety, 51 per cent of Indians believe that social media has a positive impact turn to online counselling as a treatment option. Yoga, meditation, and exercise emerge are popular choices among 86 per cent of Indians to combating stress, highlighting the importance of physical activity in maintaining mental balance. 75 per cent of Indian GenZ watch a ‘pick-me-up’ series, or feel-good movie to unwind.
Dr Raghu Appasani, Founder & CEO, The MINDS Foundation, states, “The first step to happiness, for adults in the busy lives that we all live now, is to understand what is stopping it and trying to working on it — whether internal, or external. Fiama in collaboration with The MINDS Foundation provides subsidised virtual therapy. The therapy sessions are designed for people who are committed to making personal changes for greater life satisfaction and helping them gain a better understanding of themselves.”
As mental well-being has, in recent years, gained some prominence in broadcast content, the Feel-Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey also throws light on attitudes towards mental health portrayal — 79 per cent believe positive mental health portrayals in movies can aid in addressing stigma, while 81 per cent feel that celebrities create a strong impact as mental health advocates.
Sameer Satpathy, Divisional Chief Executive, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Limited, adds, “Emotions are at the core of being human and the pursuit of happiness is non-negotiable. This is corroborated further by the Feel-Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey with ‘Fun of Missing Out’ emerging as the new perspective. Mental well-being is an integral part of our psychological, emotional and social well-being. ITC Fiama is committed to enabling proactive conversations on mental well-being in India.”
Rashmika Mandanna, ITC Fiama’s Brand Ambassador, comments, “In today’s fast-paced world, safeguarding our mental health is paramount, given the relentless pressures we face. My daily life often spans odd hours with hectic schedules and travels, but I believe in living in the moment and finding little joys in the smallest of things, be it small gestures of kindness that I witness around me, or just a quick indulgence of my K-drama, or Anime. In my opinion, doing what you like and indulging yourself with small breaks helps de-stress quickly. I’m proud to be associated with ITC Fiama in their effort to not only acknowledge everyday stressors, but also make mental well-being a more proactive conversation today.”
ITC Fiama, in collaboration with The MINDS Foundation, has also launched its first Virtual Clinic. The Virtual Clinic is designed to enable affordable access to mental health therapy delivered by licenced professionals. It is an appropriate platform that encourages individuals to seek help in an intimate virtual space without the fear of embarrassment, or prevailing stigma. The MINDS Foundation has specially put together a team of highly qualified therapists for the Virtual Clinic, thereby offering expert advice, therapy, and counselling at the convenience of one’s own privacy.
REGISTER for a professionally qualified therapist consultation from MINDS Foundation at an affordable fee.
The ITC Feel-Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2023 was conducted with 800 men and women aged between 16 and 45 years, across New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The Survey was conducted by NeilsenIQ in September 2023.
— This piece is published in public interest, by Courtesy of Siddhant Sharma, Senior Account Executive, Brands, Sports and Entertainment, Genesis-BCW.
