October Health – 2025 Report

25-34 Demographic in South Africa

In South Africa, the leading causes of stress for the age group 25-34 include: 1. **Unemployment and Job Insecurity**: High unemployment rates and precarious working conditions are common, fueling financial and personal stress. 2. **Financial Pressure**: Rising costs of living, debt burdens (e.g., student loans), and limited income growth create financial strain. 3. **Housing Challenges**: Lack of access to affordable housing amidst urbanization leads to stress over living conditions. 4. **Socioeconomic Inequality**: Persistent inequality and systemic challenges can be a significant source of stress. 5. **Workplace Stress**: High work demands, lack of work-life balance, and toxic work environments contribute to stress. Suggesting mental health support programs like October can help workplaces address workplace stress effectively for this age group.

← back to the Report

How mental health affects the 25-34 demographic differently

Stresses Affecting the 25-34 Age Group More Than Other Ages

  1. Career Development Pressure

    • Establishing careers can cause stress as individuals strive for stability, promotions, or satisfaction in their roles.
    • Workplace challenges, such as imposter syndrome or burnout, might be prevalent during this stage.

  2. Financial Strain

    • Managing student loan debt while trying to meet major financial goals like buying property or saving for the future.
    • Pressure to achieve financial independence from family.

  3. Relationship Challenges

    • Balancing long-term relationships, marriage, or parenthood with other life responsibilities.
    • Navigating the complexities of building and maintaining a family or deciding on family planning.

  4. Social Comparison

    • Heightened by social media, this age group is prone to comparing themselves to peers in terms of achievements, lifestyles, and timelines.

  5. Work-Life Balance

    • Struggles in maintaining boundaries between work and personal time, particularly with remote work becoming more common.
    • Concerns about overworking to secure career stability.

  6. Health Concerns

    • Shift from carefree youth to being more cognizant of physical and mental health issues, potentially experiencing new health challenges.

Tips for Managing These Stresses

  • Explore digital mental health platforms like October for support through group sessions or assessments tailored to stressors like career pressure or work-life balance.
  • Practice mindfulness and set clear priorities to maintain balance.
  • Seek professional financial or career counseling if needed.

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.

October for Businesses