Why Helping Anganwadi Workers’ Mental Health Matters for Children’s Growth

Anganwadi Workers (Sevikas and Madatnis) play a key role in caring for women and children in India’s most vulnerable communities. In Mumbai’s urban slums— especially in the M East and M West wards— these women work every day to ensure children are healthy, mothers are supported, and government services reach the people who need them the most.

But while they continue to support others, many of these frontline workers silently carry the burden of stress, worry, and emotional fatigue. This became more visible during SNEHA’s “Adopt an Anganwadi” project, which was implemented in collaboration with four Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) projects in M ward. As part of the project, SNEHA conducted competency-based training for Anganwadi Workers and Madatnis. Sessions on topics like ‘Understanding self’, and ‘Stress and burnout’ gave the workers a chance to reflect on their own lives. For many, it was the first time they paused to think about how they were feeling and what they needed. These sessions helped them realise the importance of taking care of themselves first. They began to understand that when they are emotionally and mentally healthy, they are better able to care for others. Prioritising their own well-being is not selfish— it is necessary, and it has a direct, positive impact on their work and the services they provide.

These workers often juggle multiple roles— not just running the Anganwadi Centre (AWC), but also participating in election duties, surveys, and the implementation of different government schemes. Long working hours, low honorariums, poor infrastructure, and pressure to maintain records— all contribute to a high level of stress. Alongside work pressures, many women also face personal challenges at home, which add to their emotional strain.

Without support systems in place, many of them start to feel burned out. Their energy and motivation go down. Even though they continue their work, it becomes harder to focus, harder to care, and harder to keep going with the same passion they once had. Sadly, many of them do not feel comfortable speaking openly about what they’re going through. Mental health is still surrounded by stigma. They fear being judged or misunderstood, even by their peers.

These emotional challenges don’t just affect the workers themselves— they also impact the services provided to children and families. When a worker is tired, mentally exhausted, or emotionally low, it affects her ability to carry out home visits, provide preschool education, track children's growth, or counsel mothers with the same attention and care.

A Glimpse from the Ground: What the Community Observes

Community members, especially mothers of young children, have started noticing the difference. One example came from a community in Mankhurd, where an AWW, burdened with personal and emotional issues, began arriving late to the Anganwadi Centre. As a result, critical services were delayed or skipped entirely. Anthropometry— measuring children’s weight and height, which is essential for monitoring malnutrition— was not done regularly. Parents who came early with their children often returned home without receiving services.

Similarly, Community-Based Events (CBEs), which are meant to educate families about nutrition, health, and child development, were either poorly attended or not held at all. The community could sense that something was missing— that the Anganwadi Worker (AWW), once active and engaged, seemed distracted and distant. These subtle changes had a cascading effect. Trust between the community and the AWC began to weaken. The very services designed to protect children’s health were compromised— not due to lack of will, but due to the mental and emotional fatigue of the worker.

When community members were informally asked about the change, many expressed concern not just about the services, but about the well-being of the Sevika herself. "She’s always been good to our children," one mother said. "But these days she looks tired and sad. Maybe something is wrong. Who is looking after her?"

Timely Support: A Quiet Intervention

Recognising these warning signs early, SNEHA’s field team identified a few Sevikas who were experiencing serious mental health issues. Instead of waiting for the situation to worsen, the team acted promptly. These cases were referred to the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Shatabdi Hospital, where SNEHA already had a Counselor to address such referrals.

This arrangement ensured that Anganwadi workers received professional support—quietly, respectfully, and without judgment. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the process, giving them a safe space to talk, reflect, and begin their journey towards healing without fear of stigma or exposure.

Though a small step, it was a meaningful one. It demonstrated that just as Anganwadi Workers look after their communities, they too deserve to be cared for. Their mental health cannot be overlooked, as it impacts not only their own well-being but also the effectiveness of the ICDS services on which thousands of families depend.

A Path Forward: What Needs to Be Done

If we overlook the mental health of Anganwadi Workers, we risk weakening the very backbone of the ICDS system. To strengthen this foundation, it is vital to create an environment that supports their well-being. A few practical steps can help:

• Equip supervisors and health officials to spot early signs of stress, burnout, or emotional fatigue, ensuring that issues are addressed before they escalate.
• Build peer support groups where Sevikas can share experiences, encourage one another, and speak openly without fear of judgment.
• Integrate mental health into training, so every AWW understands the importance of self-care and has tools to practice it.
• Acknowledge and celebrate their work, reminding them that their dedication is valued and visible.

Global evidence shows that when employees feel mentally supported, their productivity, morale, and service quality all improve. The same is true for Anganwadi Workers.

Final Thoughts

In the end, if we truly want to build stronger health and nutrition systems in our cities, we must begin by supporting the people who run them. Anganwadi Workers are not just service providers— they are women, mothers, caregivers, and change-makers. By investing in their mental health, we show them the same care they show to so many others.

It’s time to prioritise their emotional well-being— not just with words, but with real action. A healthy, motivated Anganwadi Worker means healthier, happier children and stronger communities.

When we take care of them, we strengthen entire communities.