October Health – 2025 Report

Life changes in United States

The leading cause of life changes stress in the United States population is often related to major events such as the death of a close family member, divorce or separation, and job loss or significant career changes. These transitions disrupt daily life and routines, generating substantial stress. In workplace contexts, job instability or role changes rank high and impact mental health significantly. Offering support through digital group sessions or assessments, like those provided by October, can help employees manage these stresses effectively.

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Life changes Prevalence
18.46%
Affected people
10,153,000

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of High Amount of Life Changes Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system, leading to more frequent illness
    • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
    • Muscle tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues

  • Mental Health:

    • Elevated anxiety and depression symptoms
    • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
    • Increased risk of burnout, especially in workplace settings
    • Emotional exhaustion and irritability

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family and friends due to mood changes
    • Reduced ability to manage daily responsibilities or work-life balance
    • Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
    • Lower overall life satisfaction and happiness

Workplace Tip:
Encouraging employees to participate in digital group sessions focusing on stress management, like those offered by October, can provide valuable coping strategies and peer support to mitigate these risks.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity:
    Employees experiencing high stress from life changes often have decreased focus, energy, and efficiency, leading to lower overall productivity in the workplace.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism:
    Stress can cause more sick days (absenteeism) and lowered performance while at work (presenteeism), increasing costs for employers.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs:
    Chronic stress contributes to physical and mental health issues, raising healthcare expenses for both employees and employers.

  4. Employee Turnover:
    Elevated stress levels may lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, causing higher turnover rates, which increases recruitment and training costs.

  5. Economic Slowdown:
    On a macro scale, widespread stress can depress consumer spending and slow economic growth due to reduced workforce participation and increased demands on social services.

Workplace Mental Health Support Suggestion
Employers can mitigate these effects by implementing mental health initiatives like Panda’s digital group sessions and assessments to support employees through major life changes, improving resilience and productivity.

What can government do to assist?

  • Enhance Social Support Systems: Develop strong community networks and accessible mental health services to buffer the impact of life changes.

  • Promote Stable Employment: Implement policies supporting job security and fair wages to reduce financial uncertainty during transitions.

  • Provide Accessible Healthcare: Ensure mental and physical healthcare services are affordable and reachable to manage health-related stressors.

  • Offer Education and Awareness Programs: Increase public understanding of stress and coping mechanisms, including workplace resilience training.

  • Facilitate Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible work arrangements and reasonable working hours to ease stress from life changes.

  • Implement Digital Mental Health Tools: Adopt platforms like October’s digital group sessions and assessments to support employees in managing stress effectively.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Strategies for Companies to Lower Life Changes Stress

1. **Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Allow employees to adjust their schedules or work remotely during major life changes (e.g., moving, family additions).

2. **Provide Access to Mental Health Resources**  
   Offer digital group sessions and mental health content, such as October's platform, to help employees cope with stress.

3. **Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)**  
   Ensure confidential counseling services are available to support employees through significant life events.

4. **Open Communication and Supportive Culture**  
   Encourage managers to check in regularly and create a safe space for employees to discuss their challenges.

5. **Education and Training**  
   Provide workshops that teach stress management techniques specific to life changes.

Implementing these can help employees manage stress related to life changes more effectively, improving overall workplace wellbeing.