October Health – 2025 Report
25-34 Demographic in South Africa
Unemployment and financial insecurity are the leading stressors for the 25–34-year-old population in South Africa.
How mental health affects the 25-34 demographic differently
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Financial pressures (student debt, housing costs, inflation, SA-specific costs)
- Why it hits 25–34: many are solidifying careers while repaying debt and buying/renting homes; financial stress can spike anxiety and impact focus at work.
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Career progression and job security
- Why it hits 25–34: early to mid-career stage with high expectations, performance scrutiny, contract work, and uncertainty about advancement.
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Parenting, family planning, and childcare
- Why it hits 25–34: starting or expanding families; juggling work, sleep, and childcare costs; seeks flexible work options.
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Housing affordability and relocation
- Why it hits 25–34: pressure to secure stable housing and occasional relocation for jobs; housing costs can strain finances and time.
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Safety and daily disruptions (crime risk, load shedding, unreliable utilities, commute disruptions)
- Why it hits 25–34: more time in transit or irregular work hours; outages and safety concerns increase stress and reduce productivity.
Optional support: workplace wellbeing resources (e.g., October) can provide group sessions, assessments, and content to address these stresses.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 25-34 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.