October Health – 2025 Report

Depression in South Africa

The leading cause of depression-related stress in South Africa at the population level is primarily linked to socio-economic factors, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and inequality. These factors contribute to chronic financial stress, insecurity, and limited access to mental health resources, which exacerbate depression and stress across communities. In the workplace, job insecurity and poor working conditions also significantly impact mental health. Implementing supportive workplace programs, like digital group sessions from October, can help mitigate some of these effects by providing accessible mental health support.

← back to the Report
Depression Prevalence
27.45%
Affected people
15,097,500

Impact on the people of South Africa

Effects of High Depression Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:
    Increased risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune system, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

  • Mental Health:
    Worsening of depressive symptoms including persistent sadness, loss of interest, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function.

  • Work Performance:
    Reduced productivity, difficulty concentrating, absenteeism, and strained workplace relationships.

  • Personal Relationships:
    Withdrawal from social interactions, increased conflicts with family and friends, and decreased emotional availability.

  • Daily Functioning:
    Challenges in managing everyday tasks, decision-making difficulties, and decreased motivation.

Using digital group sessions and assessments from October can aid in early identification and provide supportive strategies to manage depression stress effectively in the workplace.

Impact on the South Africa Economy

Effects of High Depression-Related Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing depression often have lower concentration, motivation, and energy, leading to decreased work output.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Mental health stress causes more sick days and reduced effectiveness while at work.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs: Increased demand for medical treatment and mental health services strains healthcare systems and company resources.

  4. Talent Loss and Turnover: Employees may leave jobs due to mental health struggles, increasing recruitment and training expenses.

  5. Economic Growth Impact: Lower overall workforce productivity and participation can slow GDP growth.

  6. Workplace Morale: Depression stress can spread, negatively impacting team cohesion and innovation.

Workplace Mental Health Support: Implementing digital group sessions, assessments, and tailored content like those offered by October can help mitigate these effects by promoting early detection, support, and resilience in employees.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Depression and Stress

1. **Improve Access to Mental Health Services**  
   - Expand affordable, accessible mental health care in urban and rural areas.
   - Integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems.

2. **Workplace Mental Health Programs**  
   - Encourage companies to adopt mental health policies and provide training.
   - Promote employee assistance programs and digital tools like October for group sessions and assessments.

3. **Public Awareness Campaigns**  
   - Reduce stigma through education on depression and stress.
   - Use media and community outreach to normalize seeking help.

4. **Social Support Initiatives**  
   - Create community support groups and peer networks.
   - Foster inclusive environments to reduce social isolation.

5. **Economic and Social Welfare Measures**  
   - Address unemployment and poverty, which are key contributors to stress.
   - Provide safety nets and support for vulnerable populations.

6. **Promote Healthy Lifestyles**  
   - Encourage physical activity, good nutrition, and sufficient sleep.
   - Support programs for stress management, mindfulness, and resilience.

By combining these efforts, a country can create a supportive environment that reduces the burden of depression and stress on its citizens, including in the workplace.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways a Company Can Lower Depression-Related Stress

  1. Promote Open Communication
    Encourage an environment where employees feel safe discussing their mental health without stigma.

  2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
    Offer digital group sessions, assessments, and educational content—like those available from October—to support employees' mental well-being.

  3. Flexible Work Arrangements
    Allow flexible hours or remote work options to help employees manage their workload better.

  4. Train Managers to Recognize Signs
    Equip supervisors with skills to identify early signs of depression and stress and know how to respond empathetically.

  5. Encourage Work-Life Balance
    Promote taking breaks, reasonable workloads, and time off to prevent burnout.

  6. Regular Mental Health Assessments
    Use tools to assess workplace stressors and mental health challenges, guiding targeted interventions.

Implementing these strategies helps create a supportive workplace, reducing depression and stress among employees.