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. Social dynamics and family issues also contribute significantly. In workplace or school-related environments, supporting this group with stress management resources and group sessions like those offered by October can be beneficial.

How mental health affects the 16-17 demographic differently

  • Academic Pressure: High stakes exams, college admissions, and performance expectations can be intense.
  • Identity and Social Belonging: Navigating friendships, peer pressure, and self-identity is critical at this stage.
  • Future Uncertainty: Anxiety about career paths and independence often begins to rise.
  • Family Expectations: Balancing family demands and personal goals may cause stress.
  • Social Media Influence: Increased exposure can impact self-esteem and mental health, unique to this age group.

For workplace-related stress support, digital group sessions from platforms like October can help teens build resilience and coping strategies in academic or part-time work environments.

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.