October Health – 2024 Report
18-24 Demographic in South Africa
For the age group 18-24 in South Africa, leading causes of stress often include unemployment, financial instability, academic pressure, and uncertainty about the future. Additionally, societal issues such as crime and systemic inequalities can contribute significantly to stress levels in this demographic.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
Here are some stressors that may impact the 18-24 age group more than other age groups:
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Academic Pressure: Many individuals in this age group are pursuing higher education, which can be challenging due to exams, deadlines, and the pressure to perform academically.
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Career Uncertainty: As they transition from education to the workforce, this age group often faces stress related to job searching, job security, and career path decisions.
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Financial Strain: This can involve student loans, cost of living, and often the beginning of financial independence, which can cause significant stress.
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Identity Exploration: This is a critical period for self-discovery, which can lead to stress related to personal identity, sexual orientation, and values.
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Social Pressure: Peer pressure and the influence of social media can be significant, often leading to stress about fitting in, self-image, and maintaining relationships.
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Transition and Change: Moving away from home and establishing a new social network can be both exciting and stress-inducing.
For mental health support in this context, companies can consider offering resources like October's digital group sessions to help employees manage these 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.