More resources needed to treat mental illness
On July 7, a Huffington Post article claimed the US was the worst place to have a mental illness, because of the lack of help available. The problems it described are similar to those in Hong Kong and there is a need for change.
I think the long hours people work are one of the main causes of mental illness in the city. But even though many people are suffering, mental health care remains underfunded. There are about 330 psychiatrists employed in public hospitals, which is 400 fewer than the number recommended by the World Health Organisation.
This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed, as it is estimated that 1.7 million people may suffer from mental illness in Hong Kong.
The education and employment prospects of people with a mental illness can be adversely affected and it may lead to other people being harmed, if these people are living in the community and not getting proper treatment. The government must allocate more resources for the development of services and programmes to treat the mentally ill and help with their integration in society.
It is also important to raise public awareness. This will encourage more people with mental illness to seek help without the fear of discrimination.
Trisha Tobar, Tseung Kwan O