October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in Namibia
The leading causes of stress among the 18-24 age group in Namibia are primarily driven by socio-economic factors. These include: 1. **Youth Unemployment**: High rates of unemployment in Namibia are a significant stressor for young people, as they face difficulty securing stable jobs after completing education. 2. **Financial Pressure**: Limited economic opportunities contribute to financial strain, which affects their ability to support themselves or their families. 3. **Academic Pressure**: For those in tertiary education or training, the pressure to perform academically and secure a future career is significant. 4. **Mental Health Stigma**: Limited access to mental health resources and the stigma surrounding mental health prevent many from seeking help, heightening stress levels. 5. **Housing and Living Conditions**: Challenges finding affordable housing or living in substandard conditions contribute to stress for many within this age group. Encouraging employers or institutions to provide mental health resources, such as October's digital group sessions and assessments, could help address stress and promote overall well-being in this age group.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group
1. **Educational Pressures**
- High academic demands and performance pressure.
- Uncertainty about career prospects after studies.
- Balancing studies, part-time work, and personal life.
2. **Financial Strain**
- Student loans and debt accumulation.
- Managing limited income with increasing living expenses.
- Pressure to achieve financial independence.
3. **Transition to Adulthood**
- Navigating a shift from parental dependence to independence.
- Learning life skills like budgeting and managing responsibilities.
- Pressure to make significant life decisions, such as career paths or relationships.
4. **Uncertainty About Future**
- Fear of unemployment or underemployment after graduation.
- Feeling overwhelmed about long-term planning.
- Climate change and global instability concerns.
5. **Social Pressures**
- Pressure from social media to maintain a certain image or lifestyle.
- Challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Family and societal expectations regarding success and adulthood.
6. **Identity and Self-Discovery**
- Navigating questions of purpose, identity, and values.
- Dealing with self-esteem and confidence issues.
- Coping with societal stigmas about appearance, gender, or cultural identity.
Recommendation
Encouraging access to supportive platforms like October for stress management, peer group therapy, or mental health content could be beneficial to this age group. These resources can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide guidance during transitional periods.
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.