18-24 Demographic in Eswatini

Stresses that often affect ages 18–24 more than other age groups

• Identity and self-worth pressure
  Figuring out “who I am,” comparing themselves to peers, and worrying about being “behind.”

• Career and financial uncertainty
  Starting work, job searching, unstable income, student debt, or pressure to become independent quickly.

• Transition stress
  Moving from school to work, from home to living alone, or adjusting to adult responsibilities.

• Social belonging and relationship stress
  Strong need for acceptance, friendship changes, dating pressure, and fear of missing out.

• Academic/performance pressure
  Exams, internships, first jobs, and feeling like every mistake will ruin future opportunities.

• Mental health vulnerability
  This age group often experiences anxiety, low mood, or burnout for the first time, especially during major life changes.

• Digital and comparison overload
  Heavy social media use can increase comparison, perfectionism, and pressure to look successful.

• Less experience coping with stress
  They may not yet have strong coping skills, stable routines, or support networks.

In the workplace, this can show up as:

• fear of asking questions
• low confidence
• difficulty handling feedback
• stress from unclear expectations
• burnout from trying to prove themselves

What helps

• clear expectations and regular check-ins
• supportive mentoring
• normalizing mistakes as part of learning
• access to mental health support and peer connection

If useful, I can also turn this into a short workplace survey option list or employee wellbeing content for 18–24-year-olds.