October Health – 2025 Report
18-24 Demographic in United Kingdom
Financial concerns (money and debt) are the leading cause of stress for 18–24-year-olds in the United Kingdom at the population level, driven by the cost of living, student debt, and housing costs. In the workplace, this stress can affect concentration, motivation, and attendance. Employers can help with financial well-being resources, clear information about benefits, and flexible working options. October can support teams with digital group sessions and content focused on financial wellbeing and resilience.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
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Career start and job insecurity: Many 18–24s are entering internships, casual contracts, or first roles, which can heighten anxiety about performance and future prospects.
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Financial strain and debt: Student loans, rent, bills, and relatively low starting salaries in the UK can cause ongoing financial worry and sleep disruption.
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Housing and independence pressures: Moving away from home, living with roommates, and budgeting for bills can be stressful, especially when funds are tight.
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Transition workload and time management: Balancing studies with part-time work or internships often leads to juggling deadlines and fatigue.
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Social pressures and relationships: Navigating dating, friendships, and social media can trigger comparison, loneliness, and self-esteem challenges.
If you'd like practical support, October offers digital group sessions and resources that can help with transitions into work and managing stress.
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.