LettersTo bring down Hong Kong’s student suicide rate, start with listening without judgment
- Readers discuss societal change needed to reduce the rate of suicide among young people, and the rationale behind measures to increase births
Pressure from parents and peers related to academic performance or social interaction is usually blamed. It is true that we should not deny the role of these factors in potentially causing psychological problems, but how mental health issues should be dealt with must also be a focus.
While those experiencing mental health issues are rightly encouraged to seek help by opening up to others, an equally important element is often overlooked – whether our society is genuinely geared towards listening without judgment.
Resources are quite scarce in this city – professional healthcare may not be always accessible, either due to the lack of availability in the public system or the high cost in the private system. A single session of private counselling, for instance, may cost thousands, placing it out of reach for many.