October Health – 2025 Report
25-34 Demographic in Canada
The leading causes of stress for Canadians aged 25-34 often include financial pressures, career uncertainty, and work-related stress. In this population, managing student loan debt, rising housing costs, and striving for job stability are significant contributors. Additionally, balancing career growth with personal life, such as relationships or starting a family, also generates considerable stress. This age group tends to feel pressure to meet societal expectations, which compounds their overall stress levels.
How mental health affects the 25-34 demographic differently
Common Stressors for the Age Group 25-34
1. **Career Development**
- Pressure to establish a stable and fulfilling career.
- Workplace stress from long hours, navigating office dynamics, or finding work-life balance.
- Financial stress due to student loans and managing living costs.
2. **Financial Responsibilities**
- Saving for big milestones like buying a home, paying off debt, or starting a family.
- Anxiety around financial stability and planning for the future.
3. **Relationships and Family Formation**
- Stress around romantic relationships, marriage, or the decision to have children.
- Social pressure to meet traditional life milestones by a certain age.
4. **Social Comparison**
- Comparing themselves to peers through social media or societal expectations.
- Feelings of inadequacy if they haven't reached similar "successes."
5. **Personal Identity and Life Choices**
- Questions around personal values, direction, and purpose.
- Fear of "falling behind" or making the wrong choices (e.g., career paths, moves).
6. **Balancing Personal and Social Life**
- Managing time effectively between work, relationships, and personal well-being.
- Experiencing burnout from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Coping Suggestions
- Encourage stress-management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, or journaling.
- Suggest accessing workplace mental health resources if provided, like October's digital group sessions.
- Promote seeking social and professional support (e.g., therapy, mentorship, or peer groups).
- Focus on setting realistic goals and breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 25-34 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.