October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in South Africa
For the age group 18-24 in South Africa, the leading causes of stress are: 1. **High Unemployment Rates**: Youth unemployment is a significant issue, creating financial strain and uncertainty about the future. 2. **Academic Pressures**: Stress from school, university, or technical education, paired with the desire to secure employment. 3. **Volatility in Living Conditions**: Many young South Africans face unstable housing or home environments, particularly in lower-income sectors. 4. **Social Inequality and Crime**: Exposure to poverty, inequality, and crime creates a baseline of stress. 5. **Mental Health Stigma**: Limited acceptance and resources for addressing mental health challenges cause individuals to internalize stress. Platforms like October can help companies provide resources to support employees' mental well-being in the workplace for this age group.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group More Than Other Ages
1. **Academic Pressure**
- Many individuals in this age group are students, experiencing stress from exams, deadlines, and balancing academic workloads.
2. **Uncertainty About Future**
- Career decisions, financial independence, and the transition into adulthood bring significant uncertainty and anxiety.
3. **Financial Strain**
- Early employment, student debt, or lack of financial stability can be particularly overwhelming.
4. **Social Pressure**
- Pressure to maintain social connections and navigate relationships, combined with the impact of social media comparison.
5. **Mental Health Challenges**
- This developmental stage often sees the onset of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Lack of access to mental health resources can exacerbate this.
6. **Identity and Self-Discovery**
- Struggles with self-identity, including gender, sexuality, and personal values, can contribute to stress.
7. **Workplace Entry Stress**
- Transitioning into the workforce brings challenges like imposter syndrome, workplace dynamics, and adapting to corporate structures.
Suggestion for Support:
- Organizations in South Africa can use services like October to offer mental health resources tailored to younger employees, helping them manage stress linked to education, finances, and workplace entry.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 18-24 demographic in South African?
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