October Health – 2025 Report

35-44 Demographic in United States

The leading causes of stress for the age group 35-44 in the United States often include: 1. **Financial pressures**: Concerns about expenses, debt, and saving for the future, such as college funds or retirement. 2. **Work-related stress**: Job demands, managing career advancement, or job security fears. 3. **Family responsibilities**: Balancing caregiving for children and sometimes aging parents, resulting in the "sandwich generation" stress. 4. **Health concerns**: Personal health issues or health concerns for family members. 5. **Lack of time for self-care**: Struggles to maintain work-life balance and personal well-being. Stress-reducing programs like group support sessions or employee mental health resources, such as October, may aid in managing workplace stress where applicable.

← back to the Report

How mental health affects the 35-44 demographic differently

Stressors That May Affect the 35-44 Age Group More

  1. Career Pressures

    • Balancing career advancements and maintaining job security.
    • Facing potential burnout from prolonged time in the workforce.
    • Navigating workplace competition and leadership roles.

  2. Financial Responsibilities

    • Managing mortgages, debts, or other significant financial obligations.
    • Planning for children’s education and saving for retirement simultaneously.
    • Coping with financial pressures from supporting aging parents or family members.

  3. Parenting and Family Demands

    • Raising young children or navigating challenges with teenagers.
    • Balancing work and personal life, often referred to as the "sandwich generation" stress (caring for both children and aging parents).
    • Strain on marital or partner relationships due to competing responsibilities.

  4. Health Concerns

    • Emerging concerns about personal health or chronic conditions.
    • Stress about maintaining energy levels while managing multiple responsibilities.
    • Potential loss of loved ones or friends, leading to grief or emotional burden.

  5. Social Expectations

    • Pressure to "have it all together" in terms of career, family, and finances.
    • Comparisons with peers due to social media or societal narratives about success.

Useful Tips:

  • Encourage employees to communicate stressors with their managers to address workload or flexibility concerns.
  • Employers can provide access to mental health resources, like digital group sessions and tools (such as those offered by October), to support stress management.
  • Promote work-life balance initiatives like flexible schedules or wellness programs to mitigate these stressors.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the 35-44 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.

October for Businesses