October Health – 2025 Report

Non-Binary Demographic in South Africa

The leading causes of stress among the non-binary population in South Africa tend to include:

  1. Discrimination and Stigma: Facing societal prejudice and misunderstanding can lead to significant stress.
  2. Lack of Representation: Limited visibility and recognition in media and workplaces can create feelings of isolation.
  3. Employment Instability: Struggles with finding and maintaining supportive work environments can heighten anxiety and stress.
  4. Mental Health Resources Accessibility: Barriers to accessing mental health services tailored to non-binary experiences contribute to stress levels.

Encouraging workplaces to incorporate support systems, like those offered by October, can help in addressing these stressors effectively.

How mental health affects the Non-Binary demographic differently

  • Identity Validation: Non-binary individuals often face challenges related to their identities, including lack of understanding and acceptance from peers and family, which can lead to stress.

  • Discrimination and Prejudice: Experiencing discrimination in societal settings, including workplaces, can be particularly acute for non-binary individuals due to their non-conformity to traditional gender roles.

  • Visibility and Representation: Non-binary individuals may struggle with limited visibility and representation, leading to feelings of isolation and decreased social support.

  • Misgendering: Frequent misgendering can cause significant emotional distress and may contribute to lower self-esteem and mental health challenges.

  • Navigating Spaces: Finding inclusive environments, whether in social settings or workplaces, can be stressful, as many physical spaces are designed with a binary understanding of gender.

Data from October Health

What's driving mental health stresses for the Non-Binary 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.