October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in South Africa
Unemployment and the resulting financial insecurity are the leading population-level stressors for 18–24-year-olds in South Africa, driven by very high youth unemployment and limited job opportunities. If relevant for workplace support, consider October’s digital group sessions and assessments to help employees cope with financial stress and career uncertainty.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
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Financial and debt pressures (especially acute for 18-24)
Student loans, rising cost of living, and irregular part-time income.
Workplace tip: offer financial wellbeing resources and clear, fair compensation; consider digital mental health support like October if needed. -
Career uncertainty and early-work stress
Internships, probation periods, and competition for entry-level roles.
Workplace tip: provide mentoring, transparent expectations, and upskilling opportunities; encourage breaks when overwhelmed. -
Housing independence and safety concerns (SA-specific)
Moving out, rent costs, transport, and safety in some areas.
Workplace tip: flexible hours or remote options; support with safe commuting resources and local wellbeing info. -
Academic-to-work transition pressures
Balancing studies with work, adjusting to professional norms and deadlines.
Workplace tip: structured onboarding, clear feedback, and time-management support. -
Social media, identity, and peer pressure
Social comparison, online harassment, body image concerns.
Workplace tip: foster a supportive culture, promote healthy tech use, and offer confidential check-ins. -
Access to mental health care and stigma
Stigma, cost, long waitlists, and confidentiality concerns.
Workplace tip: normalize talking about mental health, provide discreet EAP options, and offer digital resources like October for accessible care.
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.