Survey Highlights Mental Health Challenges Among Hong Kong High School Students
A recent survey conducted by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong has shed light on the mental health challenges faced by secondary school students in Hong Kong. According to the survey results released on September 22, 2024, close to half of the students expressed reluctance to seek help when dealing with mental health issues.
The survey, which involved 826 secondary school students on Hong Kong Island, revealed that those who were less willing to seek assistance exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, these students showed poorer resilience and overall health status, indicating a need for improved mental health support among the youth population.
Student Mental Health Literacy and Well-being
Among the key findings of the survey, more than half of the respondents reported feeling tense, anxious, and irritable in the past two weeks, with difficulties controlling their anxiety. Furthermore, 30.6% of the students displayed symptoms of depression, while 25% were identified as experiencing anxiety based on the survey results.
One striking revelation from the survey was that nearly half of the students expressed neutrality or uncertainty about seeking help for mental health issues. This lack of willingness to reach out for support highlights a concerning trend of stigma and reluctance surrounding mental health discussions among young individuals in Hong Kong.
Barriers to Seeking Help
The survey results indicated that over 20% of students would not seek help from anyone when facing mental distress, while only 28.5% felt comfortable sharing their feelings with adults. This reluctance to confide in adults may stem from a fear of judgment or a lack of trust in building open communication channels with authority figures.
Li To-sang, the executive secretary of the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of addressing these barriers to seeking help and fostering a supportive environment for students to express their mental health concerns without fear of stigma or judgment.
Call for Enhanced Mental Health Support
In response to the survey findings, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong called on Chief Executive John Lee to prioritize mental health support in his upcoming policy address. The organization proposed the regularisation of a three-tier emergency mechanism to identify at-risk students and provide early intervention, as well as the establishment of a special fund to subsidize mental health treatment for students in need.
The initiative aims to combat the rising trend of student suicides in Hong Kong and address the significant number of young individuals diagnosed with depression in public healthcare facilities. By promoting diverse treatment options such as music therapy, expressive art therapy, and drama therapy, the YMCA seeks to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage students to seek help proactively.
In conclusion, the survey results underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and education initiatives in Hong Kong schools. By prioritizing the well-being of students and creating a safe space for open discussions about mental health, we can empower young individuals to seek help when needed and foster a supportive community that values mental wellness.