October Health – 2025 Report

16-17 Demographic in United States

The leading cause of stress for the 16-17 age group in the United States is academic pressure, including worries about grades, college admissions, and future career prospects. Workplace-related stress can also begin for those with part-time jobs as they balance work and school responsibilities. Offering group sessions or workshops through platforms like October on managing academic stress and time management can be beneficial for this age group.

How mental health affects the 16-17 demographic differently

  • Academic Pressure: High school performance impacts college admissions and future career options.
  • Social Identity and Peer Acceptance: Intense focus on fitting in, forming identity, and managing peer relationships.
  • Future Uncertainty: Anxiety about career path, college choices, and life after high school.
  • Family Expectations: Balancing family demands with personal goals.
  • Emotional Regulation: Hormonal changes affecting mood and stress management skills.
  • Exposure to Social Media: Increased comparison, cyberbullying, and information overload.
  • Work-Study Balance: Many start part-time jobs, causing time management stress.

Offering support through assessments and group sessions focused on managing these stresses, such as those provided by October, can be particularly helpful for this age group.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the 16-17 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.