Opinion | Hong Kong is failing to address the growing mental health crisis among its youth

More than half of all secondary school students in Hong Kong have experienced depression, yet most are unlikely to seek help

Improving services for individuals is vital, but only by addressing structural biases and stigmatisation can we get to the root of the mental illness epidemic

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Hong Kong’s future generations deserve a city that respects and loves them for who they are, irrespective of their origins or ability. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:45am, 3 Feb 2022

More than half of secondary school students in Hong Kong have experienced symptoms of depression, a survey conducted last year shows. One in four have displayed clinically high levels of anxiety. Among university students, the figures are worse: 69 per cent reported symptoms of depression, while 54 per cent suffer from anxiety.

To put things into perspective, the global average rate of depression among children is one in five, according to research conducted by Unicef.

Worryingly, over 60 per cent of Hong Kong youth do not seek help when they experience mental health issues, partly due to a lack of awareness of the services they could draw on.

With 75 per cent of all mental disorders developing before the age of 24 and creating a lifelong impact, it’s high time that we as a city did some soul-searching to get to the root of what is ailing our youth.

It is certainly true that teenage mental illness is a complex issue. Beyond the oft-cited causes of academic pressure, overuse of social media, and biological changes that are commensurate with the experience of adolescents worldwide, there are also locally-specific problems that amplify the plight of Hong Kong youth.

The first is the stigmatisation of mental health issues and patients. Mental illness is a taboo subject here, and those in need of help are often castigated as “lacking self-discipline and willpower”. Those suffering from psychological disorders may be denied access to health care, lack a supportive social framework, or face being penalised at work or school for their condition, and as such are unlikely to discuss it or seek help.