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 concerns about grades, college admissions, and future career prospects. Workplace-related stress may also arise from balancing jobs or internships with school responsibilities. For organizations working with this group, offering resources like digital group sessions on stress management through platforms like October can be beneficial.
How mental health affects the 16-17 demographic differently
- Academic Pressure: High-stakes exams, college applications, and GPA concerns are particularly intense for this age group.
- Identity and Social Acceptance: Struggles with self-identity, peer relationships, and fitting in can be more pronounced.
- Future Uncertainty: Decisions about career paths and life direction can cause significant anxiety.
- Parental and Authority Expectations: Balancing independence with parental rules or school authority can cause stress.
- Work-Life Balance: For those with part-time jobs, managing school, work, and social life adds pressure.
- Mental Health Stigma: Awareness of mental health issues may grow but stigma can still prevent seeking help.
Supporting 16-17-year-olds through structured group discussions or assessments (like those offered by October) can help alleviate these stresses.
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.