October Health – 2026 Report
25-34 Demographic in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the leading causes of stress for the population aged 25–34 are work-related factors, including job insecurity, heavy workloads, long hours, and high expectations, often compounded by financial pressures such as housing costs and debt.
How mental health affects the 25-34 demographic differently
- Early career pressures: securing stable employment, career progression, and workload management as many in this age group are establishing their careers.
- Financial responsibilities: student loan debt, saving for housing, paying off credit, and starting families.
- Work-life balance: establishing routines around dating, relationships, marriages, or starting a family while advancing in a demanding role.
- Housing and relocation stress: high cost of living and frequent moves for job opportunities.
- Skill development anxiety: pressure to upskill quickly (tech, certifications) to stay competitive.
- Mental health stigma and access: navigating workplace norms around discussing mental health and seeking support.
- Digital overwhelm: constant connectivity, remote/hybrid work blur lines between personal and work time.
- Imposter syndrome: feeling not good enough despite achievements, common in early-career stages.
- Relationship and social expectations: pressure from friends/family about milestones (engagement, marriage, children).
- Burnout risk: high workload combined with limited coping strategies early in career.
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.