October Health – 2025 Report

Chronic illness in United States

The leading cause of chronic illness-related stress in the United States population is typically linked to prolonged financial stress and job insecurity, which are major contributors. These stressors impact physical and mental health, increasing the risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Workplace factors such as high job demands, low control, and lack of support also significantly contribute. To support employees, companies can offer mental health digital group sessions and assessments via platforms like October, helping manage workplace stress collectively.

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Chronic illness Prevalence
6.15%
Affected people
3,382,500

Impact on the people of United States

  • Physical Health Impact

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune system, and chronic pain exacerbation.
    • Poor sleep quality and increased fatigue.

  • Mental Health Impact

    • Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.
    • Cognitive difficulties like impaired concentration and memory.

  • Workplace Effects

    • Reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.
    • Greater risk of burnout and job dissatisfaction.

  • Personal Life Impact

    • Strained relationships due to emotional and physical exhaustion.
    • Decreased social engagement and feelings of isolation.

Supporting employees through resources like October’s digital group sessions can help manage chronic illness stress by improving coping strategies and fostering peer support.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Amount of Chronic Illness Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Chronic illness stress often leads to increased absenteeism and presenteeism (being at work but underperforming), lowering overall productivity.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs
    Stressed individuals with chronic conditions utilize more healthcare resources, raising public and private healthcare expenditures.

  3. Higher Disability and Early Retirement Rates
    Employees may require long-term disability or retire early, shrinking the available labor pool and increasing dependency ratios.

  4. Decreased Consumer Spending
    Chronic illness stress can reduce disposable income as individuals allocate funds to medical expenses, impacting consumer demand.

  5. Strain on Employer Resources
    Employers might face elevated costs related to accommodations, health benefits, and turnover, affecting business profitability.

Supports like workplace mental health programs and digital group interventions, such as those offered by October, can mitigate these impacts by enhancing employee well-being and productivity.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Workplace Wellness Programs: Encourage employers to implement wellness initiatives focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and stress management to reduce chronic illness risk factors.

  • Increase Access to Mental Health Resources: Expand availability of affordable mental health services and integrate digital platforms like October to provide group sessions and assessments for employees.

  • Implement Public Health Campaigns: Raise awareness about chronic illness prevention and stress reduction techniques, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.

  • Enhance Healthcare Access: Ensure accessible preventive care and early intervention for chronic illnesses to lower long-term stress associated with untreated conditions.

  • Support Flexible Work Policies: Encourage flexible hours and remote work options to help employees manage their health and reduce chronic stress.

  • Create Community Support Networks: Develop local support groups and resources that focus on coping strategies for chronic illness stress.

These steps can collectively reduce chronic illness-related stress on a national level.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How Companies Can Lower Chronic Illness Stress

  1. Flexible Work Arrangements
    Allow remote work, flexible hours, or part-time schedules to accommodate medical appointments and fluctuating energy levels.

  2. Health and Wellness Programs
    Implement wellness initiatives focused on nutrition, exercise, and stress management tailored to chronic illness challenges.

  3. Mental Health Support
    Provide access to mental health resources such as counseling, digital group sessions, or stress reduction workshops. October’s digital group sessions can be a great resource here.

  4. Education and Awareness
    Educate managers and coworkers on chronic illness to foster an empathetic and supportive work environment.

  5. Reasonable Accommodations
    Offer ergonomic workstations, assistive technologies, or modified workloads to reduce physical strain.

  6. Regular Check-ins
    Encourage managers to have regular one-on-one meetings to understand and address employee needs related to chronic illness stress.

Implementing these strategies helps create a supportive workplace that reduces stress for employees managing chronic illnesses.