18-24 Demographic in Canada

 Common Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group Uniquely

1. **Educational Pressure**
   - Balancing demanding coursework, exams, or post-secondary education expectations.
   - Uncertainty about future career paths or academic success.

2. **Financial Stress**
   - Transitioning to independence: managing student loans, rent, or credit card debt.
   - Entry-level salaries or part-time jobs can create financial tension.

3. **Career Pressure**
   - Experiencing high unemployment rates or unstable job markets.
   - Pressure to choose or invest in a long-term career path.

4. **Identity and Life Purpose**
   - Struggles with self-discovery and establishing an adult identity.
   - Pressure from societal or family expectations about life choices.

5. **Relationship Dynamics**
   - Navigating romantic relationships or evolving friendships.
   - Challenges associated with leaving home and familial support systems.

6. **Social Media and Comparison**
   - Exposure to highlight reels of others’ lives, leading to self-comparison, low self-esteem, or FOMO.

7. **Mental Health Challenges**
   - Higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress in this age group due to transitions and uncertainty.
   - Lack of experience managing stress, compounded by limited access to mental health resources.

 Suggestions for Support:
- Encourage open communication and mental health education in workplaces or schools.
- Promote access to digital mental health solutions like October for affordable and accessible group therapy or self-assessments to manage stress effectively.
- Emphasize financial literacy and provide tools to manage finances proactively.