October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in Kenya
The leading causes of stress for the age group 18-24 in Kenya stem from several systemic and societal factors: 1. **Unemployment and Economic Pressure**: High unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities put significant pressure on young people to secure financial stability. 2. **Education-related Stress**: Academic pressure, the cost of education, and challenges to access quality education play a major role. 3. **Family and Cultural Expectations**: The cultural and family expectations to achieve specific milestones, such as marriage, career success, or financial independence, create stress. 4. **Mental Health Stigma**: A lack of access to mental health services and stigma surrounding mental health issues leads to suppressed emotions and untreated stress. 5. **Rapid Urbanization and Social Changes**: Shifting cultural norms, urbanization, and exposure to global influences can create confusion and pressure regarding personal identity and societal roles. Access to mental health programs like October’s can help companies support their young workforce to manage stress better.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group
This age group may experience stressors unique to their life stage:
1. **Educational Pressure**
- Balancing studies, exams, and projects in university or college.
- Pressure to achieve academically and secure future opportunities.
2. **Career Uncertainty**
- Stress about finding a job or starting a career, often with limited experience.
- Navigating expectations versus reality in the workplace or internships.
3. **Financial Struggles**
- Managing student loans, tuition fees, or first-time independence from family.
- Insecurity due to low-income jobs or unemployment.
4. **Identity Formation**
- Struggles with self-discovery, purpose, and defining personal values.
- Social pressures to conform or perform, including online and offline interactions.
5. **Relationship Challenges**
- Building or maintaining friendships and romantic relationships.
- Dealing with evolving family dynamics as they seek independence.
6. **Mental Health**
- Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
- Limited access to mental health resources or stigma around seeking help.
Suggestions
- Employers and universities should offer mental health resources such as counseling services or wellness programs.
- Platforms like October can provide digital group sessions and assessments tailored to this age group, helping them manage workplace or educational stress 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.