Recent studies reveal a dramatic increase in the demand for psychological support among Russian employees, reflecting rising stress levels and emotional distress.
According to analytics from the platform Ponímau, consultations among employees feeling lonely have soared by 53% since the beginning of 2024. This rise has gone hand-in-hand with significant increases in requests concerning personal internal conflicts, such as whether to start a family or change jobs, and emotional instability.
Directly correlatable statistics show consultations about internal disputes surged by 135%, with inquiries related to emotional distress after physical trauma up by 111%, and mental instability due to psychological trauma increasing by 38%. Interestingly, requests concerning difficulties with clients or job loss have seen declines of 51% and 34%, respectively.
Director of Ponímau, Darya Fedorova, attributes this decrease to heightened company awareness around employee adaptation and welfare initiatives. Indeed, as companies expand employee access to well-being programs, many Russians are increasingly seeking psychological assistance.
Elena Usharova, consultant with the consulting firm Ward Howell, confirms this sentiment, noting, "More companies, particularly within the manufacturing sector, are starting to recognize the value of psychological support for their workers."
Another notable observation from 2024 is the climb in awareness practices and consultations, up by 219% for stress resilience. Other substantial growth areas include requests to manage anxiety and anger (196%), as well as general productivity inquiries (146%). This remarkable spike is attributed partly to the introduction of mindfulness consultations on the Ponímau platform, which launched mid-2022.
Notably, the emphasis on managing stress isn't just anecdotal; it aligns with the experiences shared by psychotherapy experts across the board. "The most common requests by clients relate to enhancing their ability to manage stress and finding their internal support systems," states Anastasia Chertkova, clinical director at Alter, who notes the long-standing presence of self-esteem issues among their clientele as another indicator of burgeoning stress levels.
Maria Ignatieva, psychoanalytical psychotherapist and head of the support service at Yasno, echoes this concern, highlighting how clients increasingly recognize the need for stress management skills as fundamental to living fully and healthily today. "Skills for managing stress and enhancing resilience are now seen as necessities, not luxuries," she emphasizes.
Beyond psychological support, those using Ponímau are frequently seeking fitness consultations—about 33,000 sessions recorded for nearly 2,000 clients over the year. Fitness stresses ranging from weight training to flexibility workouts underline the growing interest in comprehensive health, both mental and physical.
The platform observed the largest surge of users—31%—interested in wellness programs related to healthy living. Predominantly, users are exploring nutrition, physical activity, and mood enhancement as they strive for healthier lifestyles.
Fedorova notes, "The increasing number of sessions signifies people are approaching their health challenges more thoughtfully, seeking solutions for mental and physical well-being alike."
This awareness, particularly pronounced among younger demographics, points to the desire for informed health choices. Many individuals are actively striving to maintain their health, evidenced by their growing inclination to consult professionals around fitness and nutrition.
The collective data and expert insights paint a compelling picture of the psychological support framework flourishing within Russia today. There's no doubt the rising trend signals not only the necessity of psychological help but also marks the intensifying acknowledgment of mental health's relevance across all strata of society.
Overall, the increasing inquiries and interactions with psychologists represent more than just numbers; they embody fundamental shifts within the Russian psyche. The normalization of seeking help, combined with heightened awareness around mental health challenges, positions the nation on the brink of meaningful change.