October Health – 2025 Report
35-44 Demographic in South Africa
Financial stress is the leading cause for the 35–44 age group in South Africa. Specifically, debt burden and the high cost of living (mortgages, education, healthcare) – often compounded by unemployment or underemployment – drive the most stress at the population level. In the workplace this can manifest as burnout and reduced productivity; offer financial-wellbeing resources and accessible counseling. October’s digital group sessions and content, along with October’s workplace mental-health programs, can support this.
How mental health affects the 35-44 demographic differently
- Financial and housing pressures: mortgage/rent, rising costs, saving for kids’ education and retirement.
- Work-life balance and caregiving burden: long hours, commuting, childcare, eldercare, sleep disruption.
- Mid-career pressures and job security: performance expectations, upskilling, automation risk, advancement concerns.
- Health and family health responsibilities: personal health issues, fertility/parenting decisions, caring for aging relatives, sleep and mental load.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 35-44 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.