October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in South Africa
The leading cause of stress in the 18-24 age group in South Africa is predominantly unemployment and financial insecurity. This demographic faces high youth unemployment rates, which leads to economic hardship, uncertainty about future opportunities, and related mental health challenges. Workplace-related stress often ties back to job instability and lack of career prospects. Supporting this group with digital group sessions on stress management and resilience, such as those offered by October, can be beneficial in workplaces and educational settings.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
- Career Uncertainty: Many in this age group are entering the workforce or still studying, facing stress about job prospects, internships, or career paths.
- Academic Pressure: For those in tertiary education, exams, assignments, and future planning cause notable stress.
- Identity and Independence: Navigating self-identity, independence from family, and establishing social autonomy can be overwhelming.
- Financial Strain: Limited income or reliance on family can lead to anxiety about finances and managing expenses.
- Social Media Impact: Higher exposure to social media can increase comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and cyberbullying stress.
- Relationship Changes: Experiencing first serious romantic relationships or evolving friendships adds emotional complexity.
For workplaces employing this age group, providing stress management workshops or digital group sessions via platforms like October can enhance mental wellbeing and support resilience.
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.