October Health – 2026 Report
18-24 Demographic in United States
In the United States, for the 18–24 age group, the leading cause of stress is financial concerns, including debt and cost of living, followed closely by academic pressure and job insecurity.
How mental health affects the 18-24 demographic differently
- Academic and career pressure: uncertainty about future, internships, job searches, and high competition after graduation.
- Financial stress: student loans, rising living costs, part-time work while studying, budgeting challenges.
- Identity and life milestones: navigating independence, relationships, housing, and establishing routines.
- Mental health stigma and access: barriers to seeking help, awareness gaps, and concerns about confidentiality.
- Social media and comparison stress: fear of missing out, perfectionism, online harassment, and burnout from constant connectivity.
- Housing and living situation: moving away from family, roommate conflicts, or unstable housing.
- Time management and workload: balancing coursework, part-time jobs, internships, and social life.
- Existential and purpose concerns: questioning direction, meaning of studies/work, and values alignment.
- Chronic or acute health concerns: managing sleep, nutrition, and stress-related symptoms with busy schedules.
- Transition-related stressors: adapting to new environments (college to work), changes in support networks, and establishing autonomy.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the 18-24 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.