October Health – 2026 Report
18-24 Demographic in Kenya
In Kenya, the leading cause of stress for the population aged 18–24 is academic pressures and related uncertainties about future employment and opportunities. This includes exam stress, concerns about university admission, and worry about job prospects after graduation. If helpful, consider workplace-friendly resources like structured mental health support programs (e.g., October’s digital group sessions) to address study-related stress and career anxiety.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
- Academic and career pressure: ongoing schooling, internships, graduate job applications, and uncertainty about future opportunities.
- Financial stress: student loans, limited income, high cost of living, and reliance on parental support or part-time jobs.
- Identity and belonging concerns: navigating independence, friendships, dating, and aligning personal values with cultural or family expectations.
- Mental health stigma and access: reluctance to seek help, limited time for therapy, and navigating cost or wait times for services.
- Technology and social media impact: constant connectivity, comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption.
- Housing and living situation: moving out, rental instability, shared accommodations, and concern about safety.
- Academic performance anxiety: coursework load, exams, and fear of failing or not meeting mentors’ expectations.
- Transition stress: adjusting to college or uni life, relocation, and establishing routines.
- Employment and internships: balancing study with part-time jobs, workplace culture adjustments, and determining fit for long-term goals.
- Self-identity and future planning: exploring career paths, cultural or personal identity questions, and pressure to “have it figured out” by early adulthood.
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.