October Health – 2025 Report
16-17 Demographic in Canada
School-related pressures (academic workload, exams and grades, and concerns about post-secondary plans) are the leading cause of stress for Canadians aged 16–17. Support options include school counselors and teen-focused mental health resources such as October's digital group sessions and content for stress management.
How mental health affects the 16-17 demographic differently
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Academic pressure and future planning: high-stakes exams, college/apprenticeship choices, scholarships; intensified as they near 16–17.
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Social life and online pressures: peer acceptance, dating, social media comparison, cyberbullying; strong impact on self-esteem.
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Sleep disruption and mood: late-night screen use, early school start, and circadian shifts leading to fatigue and (therefore) mood/attention changes.
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Family expectations and life changes: parental goals for education/career, family financial or housing stress, changes at home.
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Access to support and stigma: concerns about privacy at school, wait times for mental health services, reluctance to seek help.
Note: teen-focused resources like October can offer age-appropriate content and group sessions on stress management; also utilize school counsellors or Kids Help Phone if needed.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 16-17 demographic in South African?
Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.
Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.