October Health – 2025 Report

Anxiety in South Africa

The leading cause of anxiety and stress in South Africa at the population level is primarily linked to socioeconomic factors—especially high unemployment rates, financial instability, and concerns about personal and community safety. Additionally, social inequalities and political uncertainty contribute significantly. Workplace stress often reflects these broader societal pressures, with job insecurity and workload being key triggers. For companies, addressing this by providing mental health support such as digital group sessions, stress management programs, and accessible assessments through platforms like October can help employees cope better.

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Anxiety Prevalence
38.33%
Affected people
21,081,500

Impact on the people of South Africa

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on Health and Personal Life

Health Impacts:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension, heart problems)
  • Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illness
  • Sleep disturbances, causing fatigue and cognitive impairment
  • Gastrointestinal issues like IBS or ulcers
  • Higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders (e.g., depression, panic disorders)

Personal Life Impacts:

  • Strained relationships due to irritability or withdrawal
  • Reduced productivity and focus at work
  • Increased absenteeism, potentially impacting job security
  • Difficulty managing daily responsibilities and decision-making
  • Lower overall quality of life and feelings of helplessness

Workplace Advice: Encourage use of mental health resources such as digital group sessions or assessments from services like Panda to identify and manage stress early, improving employee well-being and maintaining productivity.

Impact on the South Africa Economy

Effects of High Anxiety Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity
    Employees experiencing high anxiety stress often have decreased concentration, lower energy levels, and increased absenteeism, leading to reduced overall workplace productivity.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs
    Chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health issues, raising healthcare expenditure for both employers and public health systems.

  3. Higher Employee Turnover
    Anxiety contributes to job dissatisfaction and burnout, causing higher staff turnover rates and increased recruitment and training costs.

  4. Lower Consumer Spending
    Individuals with high stress levels may reduce discretionary spending, negatively impacting sectors such as retail and entertainment.

  5. Decreased Innovation and Growth
    Anxiety can inhibit creativity and risk-taking, slowing business innovation and broader economic growth.

Workplace Support Note:
Implementing mental health resources like digital group sessions and assessments (e.g., October by October) can help employees manage anxiety, boosting productivity and reducing economic costs.

What can government do to assist?

  • Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Encourage companies to implement supportive mental health policies, including flexible work hours and access to counseling.
  • Increase Access to Mental Health Services: Expand affordable and easily accessible mental health care across public and private sectors.
  • Promote Mental Health Education: Run public campaigns to raise awareness about anxiety and stress, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking.
  • Implement Community Support Programs: Foster community centers or digital platforms offering group therapy or stress management workshops (e.g., October’s digital group sessions).
  • Enhance Economic Stability: Reduce financial stressors through job creation, social grants, and economic support programs.
  • Encourage Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle: Promote exercise and wellness initiatives since physical health heavily influences mental wellbeing.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Ways a Company Can Lower Anxiety and Stress

1. **Promote Open Communication**  
   Encourage employees to voice concerns without fear of stigma or retribution.

2. **Implement Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Allow remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks to improve work-life balance.

3. **Offer Mental Health Resources**  
   Provide access to counseling services, mental health apps, or digital platforms like October for group sessions and assessments.

4. **Create a Supportive Workplace Culture**  
   Train managers to recognize stress signs and respond empathetically.

5. **Encourage Regular Breaks and Physical Activity**  
   Support employees taking short breaks and incorporating movement during the workday.

6. **Provide Stress Management Workshops**  
   Use resources like October or October to deliver educational content and group therapy sessions.

Implementing even a few of these steps can significantly reduce anxiety and stress among employees.