October Health – 2025 Report
35-44 Demographic in Canada
For the age group 35-44 in Canada, the leading causes of stress are typically related to: 1. Financial pressures, including mortgage, debt, and saving for the future. 2. Work-related stress, such as heavy workloads, job stability, or career progression. 3. Balancing work and family responsibilities, often tied to raising children or caregiving for aging parents. These stressors are reflected in national studies and surveys, aligning with the peak years of career and family demands. Businesses might consider tools like October to support employees in managing stress effectively.
How mental health affects the 35-44 demographic differently
Common Stresses for the 35-44 Age Group
1. **Career Pressures:**
- Balancing career advancement with stability.
- Fear of stagnation or hitting a "career plateau."
- Workplace stress tied to leadership roles or increased responsibilities.
2. **Parenting Challenges:**
- Juggling work-life balance while caring for young children or teenagers.
- Financial stress related to childcare, education, or extracurricular activities.
3. **Financial Pressures:**
- Managing mortgages, debt, or planning for larger purchases.
- Pressure to save for children’s education and retirement simultaneously.
4. **Health Concerns:**
- Beginning to face personal health concerns.
- Worrying about aging parents' health and associated caregiving responsibilities.
5. **Time Constraints:**
- Feeling pulled in multiple directions: work, family, and social commitments.
- Lack of personal time leading to burnout or exhaustion.
6. **Identity Questions:**
- Navigating midlife transitions or crises.
- Evaluating life achievements against personal and societal expectations.
Solutions to Address These Stresses
- Encourage open conversations around work-life balance.
- Practice clear boundary-setting at work and home to prevent burnout.
- Offer access to tools like **Panda**, which provide digital group therapy or guidance to deal with stress collectively.
- Schedule routine self-care and health check-ups.
- Seek support from resources for financial, career, and family planning.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 35-44 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.