October Health – 2025 Report

Female Demographic in South Africa

The leading cause of stress for females in South Africa includes financial instability, particularly due to high unemployment rates and economic pressures. Additionally, gender-based violence and social expectations around caregiving roles significantly contribute to stress levels among women. Workplace dynamics, such as lack of support and discrimination, also play a crucial role. Companies can support female employees by providing mental health resources, such as access to assessments and digital group sessions through services like October.

How mental health affects the Female demographic differently

  • Work-Life Balance: Women often bear a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, leading to stress in balancing work and family obligations.

  • Gender Discrimination: Experiences of sexism and unequal treatment in the workplace can contribute to stress and lower job satisfaction.

  • Harassment: Females may face higher rates of workplace harassment, which can create a hostile work environment and impact mental health.

  • Pressure to Conform: Societal expectations regarding appearance and behavior can create additional stress for women in professional settings.

  • Inadequate Support for Mental Health: Women may find fewer resources specifically addressing their mental health needs, impacting their ability to cope with stressors effectively.

For companies, implementing programs like those from October can provide crucial support, offering group sessions focused on women's mental health and assessments to identify unique stressors.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the Female 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.