October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in Canada
In Canada, the leading causes of stress for the 18–24 age group include: 1. **Financial pressure**: Limited income, student loans, and the rising cost of living. 2. **Education-related stress**: Academic performance, workload, and career uncertainties. 3. **Workplace stress**: Job insecurity, lack of work-life balance, and entry-level job challenges. 4. **Social pressure**: Peer expectations, social comparison, and maintaining relationships. 5. **Mental health concerns**: Anxiety and depression are prevalent, often exacerbated by major life transitions and uncertainties about the future. These stressors reflect broader societal and economic challenges affecting younger adults in Canada. Companies supporting younger employees, such as through services like October, can help alleviate workplace stress.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group More Than Other Ages
1. **Career Anxiety**
- Pressure to make significant career choices.
- Balancing job applications, entry-level jobs, and studies.
- Uncertainty about the future.
2. **Financial Stress**
- Managing student loans, lower-income levels, and living expenses.
- Limited financial literacy leading to budgeting difficulties.
3. **Educational Pressures**
- Balancing academic performance with personal life.
- Exam-related stress and fear of failure.
4. **Identity and Role Confusion**
- Struggles with self-identity, values, and life direction.
- Societal pressures to "have everything figured out."
5. **Social Stress**
- Transitioning from family dependency to independence.
- Building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
- Impact of social media and comparison with peers.
6. **Work-Life Balance**
- Navigating part-time jobs or internships alongside education or personal life.
- Workplace exposure with little experience or support.
7. **Mental Health Challenges**
- Increased risk of anxiety and depression due to transitional life stages.
- Pressure to conform to societal expectations.
**Suggestion**: Organizations like October can help by offering mental health support for young employees through digital group sessions and content resources to navigate these challenges.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 18-24 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.