October Health – 2025 Report

Self-esteem in South Africa

The leading cause of self-esteem stress in South Africa at the population level is largely tied to socioeconomic factors, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and inequality. These conditions can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, social exclusion, and diminished self-worth. In the workplace, job insecurity and limited career advancement opportunities further exacerbate this stress. Implementing workplace mental health programs, like group sessions from October through October, can help support employees facing these challenges.

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Self-esteem Prevalence
23.94%
Affected people
13,167,000

Impact on the people of South Africa

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Mental Health Impact:
    High self-esteem stress can lead to anxiety, chronic stress, and burnout as individuals strive to maintain their self-image.

  • Physical Health Risks:
    Prolonged stress related to self-esteem may contribute to headaches, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.

  • Interpersonal Relationships:
    May cause difficulties in relationships due to defensiveness, inability to accept criticism, or unrealistic expectations from self and others.

  • Workplace Implications:
    Can result in overworking, fear of failure, and reduced collaboration, impacting productivity and team dynamics.

Workplace Support Suggestion:
Using platforms like October’s digital group sessions can help employees manage self-esteem related stress by fostering resilience and healthy coping strategies.

Impact on the South Africa Economy

Effects of High Self-Esteem Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity
    Employees experiencing high self-esteem stress may struggle with confidence issues that hamper decision-making and innovation, leading to lower workplace efficiency.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Turnover
    Stress related to self-esteem can cause burnout and mental health challenges, increasing absenteeism rates and staff turnover costs for businesses.

  3. Poor Workplace Relationships
    Stress can impair communication and collaboration, causing conflicts that disrupt team dynamics and reduce overall organizational performance.

  4. Higher Healthcare Costs
    Mental health issues stemming from self-esteem stress often result in increased demand for healthcare and employee assistance programs, raising costs for employers and the economy.

  5. Reduced Consumer Confidence and Spending
    When employees face self-esteem stress, it can affect their financial stability and purchasing power, dampening consumer spending and slowing economic growth.

Recommendation:
Employers can utilize digital group sessions and assessments from platforms like October to identify and reduce self-esteem related stress, improving employee well-being and economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist?

  • Implement Mental Health Education in Schools: Teaching children about self-worth and resilience early can build lasting self-esteem.

  • Promote Inclusive Workplace Cultures: Encourage diversity and freedom from discrimination, which improves employees’ confidence and mental health.

  • Run Public Awareness Campaigns: Normalize discussions about self-esteem and mental health to reduce stigma.

  • Support Accessible Mental Health Services: Make therapy and counseling affordable and available, including digital group sessions through platforms like October.

  • Encourage Community Engagement: Foster social connections through community programs, which strengthen individuals’ sense of belonging.

  • Provide Skills Development Opportunities: Offering training and upskilling helps people feel competent and valued both socially and professionally.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Provide Positive Feedback: Regularly acknowledge employees’ achievements and efforts to boost self-worth.
  • Encourage Skill Development: Offer training and opportunities for growth, helping employees build confidence in their abilities.
  • Foster Inclusive Culture: Promote a supportive environment where all employees feel valued and included.
  • Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid overwhelming employees with unattainable goals that may harm self-esteem.
  • Implement Mental Health Programs: Use resources like October’s digital group sessions and assessments to help employees manage self-esteem issues.

These steps can help lower self-esteem stress and improve overall workplace wellbeing.