The pressures of middle management, mortgages and childcare are fueling a mental health crisis among 35-46- year-olds, with a quarter of referrals to Onebright now coming from this age group.
New data from the private outpatient mental healthcare provider reveals that between 2023 and 2025, nearly 25% of all referrals have come from older millennials – a figure that has crept up by 1% each year as this generation struggles under mounting pressure from all sides, and despite more outlets of mental health support available.
The average age of employees seeking support is 37, with women (58%) more likely to access help than men (42%).
“This age group is at a crunch point in life. They’re likely to be managing teams at work while raising young children at home and dealing with the financial strain of mortgages or trying to get on the property ladder,” says Sarah Carter, Head of Account Management at Onebright.
“For this age group especially, that means recognising the unique pressures of being sandwiched between caring for children and parents while trying to perform at work and keep finances afloat.”
Referral rates are particularly high in sectors where millennials hold management positions, including recruitment and staffing (31% of all referrals), real estate and property services (33%), and media and entertainment (33%). Engineering, manufacturing and construction has seen the sharpest rise in referrals – up 8% to 35% in 2025 compared with 2024.
Onebright’s data also shows that 67% of all the referrals it receives are assessed and diagnosed as stress, anxiety and depression – conditions that hit particularly hard for those in their late thirties and early forties managing competing demands.
“Catching mental health issues early means employees are less likely to need extended time off work and recover more quickly,” adds Sarah Carter. “The key is spotting the warning signs – working longer hours without breaks, becoming impatient or withdrawn, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, or changes in eating and exercise habits, for example.”
“Employers who understand the life stages their people are navigating can build targeted support that helps reduce absenteeism and presenteeism. When you’re pulled in multiple directions, it’s likely that your mental health will suffer. We’re seeing more people in their late thirties and early forties recognising they need professional support before they reach breaking point.”
