October Health – 2025 Report

25-34 Demographic in United Kingdom

The leading cause of stress for the 25-34 age group in the United Kingdom is often related to **financial pressures**, including concerns about housing affordability, rent, and managing debts such as student loans. This age group also frequently cites **work-related stress**, including long hours, job insecurity, and achieving career progression, as significant factors. Additionally, **work-life balance** struggles and societal pressures related to life milestones—such as relationships, starting a family, or buying a home—play a role in stress levels for this demographic.

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How mental health affects the 25-34 demographic differently

Stresses That Affect the Age Group 25-34 More Than Other Ages

  1. Career Pressure

    • Significant pressure to establish and progress in a career.
    • Fear of stagnation or uncertainty in career trajectory.
    • Balancing ambition with job satisfaction and mental well-being.

  2. Financial Strains

    • Managing student loan repayments (if applicable).
    • Saving for major milestones like buying a house or starting a family.
    • Navigating financial independence from family.

  3. Work-Life Balance

    • Juggling increased work hours or responsibilities in early career stages.
    • Challenges in setting boundaries between workplace demands and personal life.

  4. Relationship Challenges

    • Stress from managing romantic relationships or deciding on long-term commitments like marriage.
    • Relationship breakdowns or conflicts impacting mental health.

  5. Social Comparisons and Expectations

    • Pressure from societal or peer expectations to "achieve life goals" such as a stable career, home ownership, or having children.
    • Comparisons through social media amplifying feelings of inadequacy.

  6. Transition to Parenthood

    • Many in this age group start families, leading to challenges balancing parenting with professional and personal life.

  7. Uncertainty About the Future

    • Stress related to climate change, political instability, or global crises.
    • Anxiety about long-term financial stability (e.g., pensions, career longevity).

Suggestion Workplace programs like those offered by October, including digital group therapy and educational content, could help employees manage these specific stressors effectively.

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.

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