October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in Kenya
Unemployment and financial insecurity due to lack of job opportunities is the leading stressor for 18–24-year-olds in Kenya.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
- Transition to independence: housing costs, budgeting, rent/utilities, and commuting stress in Kenyan cities (e.g., Nairobi, Mombasa).
- Career and financial uncertainty: entry into the job market, internships, underemployment, gig work, and rising cost of living plus student debt.
- Academic pressure and future planning: exams, scholarships, choosing fields of study, and decisions about local vs. study-abroad options.
- Social pressures and identity development: relationships, peer groups, social media influence, and stigma around mental health within communities.
- Access to mental health support: stigma, confidentiality concerns, lack of youth-friendly services, time and cost barriers; consider digital options like October's group sessions for young adults.
- Family and cultural expectations: parental hopes, pressure around education/work/marriage, and caregiving responsibilities.
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.