Four in 10 stressed by fast pace of city life
Most Hongkongers are happy, but the city's fast-paced lifestyle is giving a large number of people the blues.
A study has revealed that four out of 10 Hongkongers are troubled by feelings of anxiety, and two in 10 suffer various degrees of depression - a trend experts say is not optimistic.
According to the survey of nearly 2,000 people, including adults and students, almost 41 per cent said they were stressed and felt incapable of carrying out their daily jobs.
The study was jointly conducted by Baptist University and the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
Of the total number of those surveyed, 2 per cent have very serious symptoms of anxiety, 25 per cent experience mild anxiety, and 13 cent have moderate problems.
The study points to almost a quarter of the population suffering from depression, insomnia, poor concentration, and feelings of guilt.
Eight per cent of people suffer from moderate to severe depression.
The study includes responses by students from primary and secondary schools and universities.
'The mental-health status of Hong Kong people is not optimistic,' said Patrick Lau Wing-chung, an associate professor at Baptist University.
Professor Lau blamed the city's fast-paced lifestyle and conservative attitudes towards mental illnesses. 'Mental problems are often considered shameful and taboo to some Chinese people. They will only go to see a doctor when it becomes a big problem.'
In addition, the study also revealed that university and secondary school students are feeling the pressure of study performance - an issue Professor Lau said could be partly addressed by doing more exercise.
Aside from medication, Professor Lau said physical activity was an effective way to improve mental well-being and quality of life.
