October Health – 2025 Report
Self-esteem in Eswatini 
The leading causes of self-esteem stress in Eswatini are often linked to socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education. Cultural expectations and gender roles can also contribute, where societal pressures to conform to certain standards of success and behavior can negatively impact collective self-esteem. Additionally, high levels of competition for limited resources and opportunities create a stressful environment that affects the self-worth of the population. It may be helpful for workplaces to implement programs like those from October, which could enhance community support and resilience.
- Self-esteem Prevalence
- 33.74%
- Affected people
- 18,557,000
Impact on the people of Eswatini
Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on Health and Personal Lives
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Mental Health Issues
- Increased anxiety and depression can arise from the pressure to maintain high self-esteem.
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Interpersonal Relationships
- High self-esteem stress may lead to conflicts or feeling inadequate in relationships, affecting trust and communication.
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Physical Health
- Chronic stress related to self-esteem can contribute to physical issues such as headaches, fatigue, and weakened immune function.
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Work Performance
- Overemphasis on self-esteem can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and difficulty in teamwork.
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Avoidance Behavior
- Individuals may avoid challenges or opportunities to prevent feelings of failure, stunting personal and professional growth.
Consider utilizing resources like October’s digital group sessions to foster a supportive environment that addresses these aspects.
Impact on the Eswatini Economy
Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy
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Increased Employee Turnover: High self-esteem stress can lead to job dissatisfaction, resulting in employees leaving their jobs more frequently, increasing recruitment and training costs for companies.
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Reduced Productivity: When employees experience high levels of self-esteem stress, their productivity tends to decrease. This can lead to lower overall output for businesses and affect economic growth.
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Higher Healthcare Costs: Chronic stress can lead to various physical and mental health issues, increasing healthcare costs for both employees and employers, and placing a financial burden on the economy.
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Decreased Innovation: Stress may inhibit creativity and risk-taking in the workplace, leading to fewer innovations and diminished competitive advantage for firms and industries.
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Negative Workplace Environment: High levels of stress can create a toxic workplace culture, leading to poor collaboration, low morale, and reduced employee engagement, which can further impact economic performance.
Consider implementing mental health initiatives, such as digital group sessions through October, to help manage self-esteem stress in the workplace, fostering a healthier work environment and potentially boosting economic outcomes.
What can government do to assist?
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Promote Inclusive Education: Implement programs that foster a sense of belonging and build confidence among students, focusing on collaboration and teamwork.
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Awareness Campaigns: Run public campaigns that highlight the importance of mental health, encouraging discussions about self-esteem and body positivity.
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Access to Counseling Services: Provide easily accessible mental health resources and counseling services through workplaces and community centers.
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Skill Development Workshops: Organize workshops that empower individuals with skills and knowledge, boosting their confidence and self-worth.
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Supportive Work Environments: Encourage companies to create a supportive workplace culture that recognizes and rewards contributions, promoting a sense of value among employees.
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Digital Health Resources: Partner with platforms like October to offer digital group sessions and assessments that help employees manage stress related to self-esteem issues.
What can businesses do to assist their employees?
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Promote a Positive Environment: Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation to help employees feel valued. Celebrate achievements, both big and small.
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Encourage Open Communication: Create safe spaces for employees to share their thoughts and feelings. Regular check-ins can help employees express concerns before they escalate.
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Provide Resources for Development: Offer training and professional development workshops that boost skills and confidence. This can help employees feel more competent in their roles.
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Implement Mental Health Programs: Introduce digital group sessions, such as those offered by October, focusing on self-esteem and stress management techniques tailored for the workplace.
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Facilitate Work-Life Balance: Encourage healthy work-life boundaries by promoting flexible working hours and the importance of taking breaks to reduce burnout and improve overall self-esteem.