October Health – 2025 Report

18-24 Demographic in India

The leading causes of stress among the 18-24 age group in India are: 1. **Academic Pressure**: High expectations from family, competitive exams, and the desire to secure quality education. 2. **Job Uncertainty**: Anxiety over finding suitable employment, job competition, and financial independence. 3. **Family Expectations**: Pressure to conform to societal norms, parental expectations regarding career, marriage, and life choices. 4. **Relationship Challenges**: Romantic relationships, friendships, and social confusion adding emotional strain. 5. **Digital Overload**: The impact of excessive social media use, comparison, and cyberbullying. Encouraging mental health awareness and workplaces offering resources like October's digital group sessions could be beneficial for stress relief in this age group.

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How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently

Stresses Affecting the Age Group "18-24" More Than Other Ages

  1. Career and Education Pressure

    • Choosing a career path or field of study.
    • Pressure to secure internships, jobs, or higher education opportunities.
    • Balancing academic performance with extracurricular activities.

  2. Financial Stress

    • Managing student loans or educational expenses.
    • Earning an income for the first time and budgeting responsibilities.

  3. Identity and Self-Exploration

    • Struggles with self-identity, values, and future goals.
    • Peer pressure and societal expectations.
    • Exploring relationships and personal boundaries.

  4. Uncertainty About the Future

    • Anxiety about long-term career and personal stability.
    • Feeling incapable of competing in a saturated job market.

  5. Workplace Challenges

    • Adapting to new work environments during internships or first jobs.
    • Navigating professional boundaries and learning workplace etiquette.

  6. Social Media and Comparison

    • Constant exposure to idealized versions of peers' lives.
    • Fear of missing out (FOMO) and low self-esteem driven by comparisons.

  7. Mental Health Stigma

    • Difficulty seeking professional help due to stigma, especially in India.
    • Lack of awareness or education about mental health.

Encouraging companies to offer mental health resources like October can help address these unique stressors effectively.

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.

October for Businesses