October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in South Africa
The leading cause of stress among the 18-24 age group in South Africa is primarily financial pressure, including unemployment and the struggle to find stable income or job opportunities. This is often compounded by concerns about education, career uncertainty, and socio-economic challenges. Workplace-related stress may also begin emerging as this group enters the job market. Utilizing digital group sessions from platforms like October can help young employees build coping strategies and resilience in this environment.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
- Career and Academic Pressure: Many in this age group are completing education or starting jobs, facing uncertainty about future careers.
- Financial Stress: Managing student loans, first incomes, budgeting, and economic instability in South Africa can be challenging.
- Identity and Self-Esteem Issues: Navigating personal identity, relationships, and social belonging is often intense during this stage.
- Transition to Independence: Moving out, managing daily responsibilities, and making independent decisions can cause stress.
- Workplace Adjustment: Adapting to professional environments and workplace expectations without prior experience.
Using Panda’s digital group sessions on stress management and career development can be helpful for this age group in the workplace.
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.