October Health – 2025 Report
Male Demographic in Zimbabwe
The leading cause of stress among males in Zimbabwe is often related to economic factors, such as unemployment and financial instability. This is compounded by social pressures to provide for families, job insecurity, and challenges related to the national economic situation. Work-related stress, including job loss or poor working conditions, also play a significant role. Encouraging workplace mental health support and digital group sessions, like those offered by October, can help address these stresses.
How mental health affects the Male demographic differently
- Workplace Pressure: In Zimbabwe, traditional gender roles often expect men to be primary providers, causing higher stress related to job performance, income stability, and career advancement.
- Stigma Around Seeking Help: Men may face more stigma when expressing mental health struggles, leading to underutilization of support services.
- Social Expectations: Societal norms sometimes pressure men to suppress emotions, causing internalized stress and difficulty managing mental health.
- Economic Responsibility: Men might experience more stress due to expectations to financially support extended family, which can be burdensome in unstable economic conditions.
- Exposure to Violence: Men are at a higher risk of involvement in or being victims of violence, which affects mental health uniquely.
For workplaces, offering digital group sessions via platforms like October can encourage men to share experiences in a less stigmatized environment, improving mental well-being and reducing stress.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the Male 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.