Programme helps children manage stress

The number of students suffering from stress, anxiety and depression in Hong Kong is rising and, as the public becomes increasingly aware of mental health issues, more are coming forward to seek treatment.

However, it's difficult to determine exactly how many teenagers have such problems because local studies are scarce and sporadic. In a study by Polytechnic University on "Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviours in Hong Kong Adolescents", published in the August edition of the Scientific World Journal, 32.7 per cent of 3,328 students polled reported at least one form of deliberate self-harm. Some 13.7 per cent of respondents had contemplated suicide, and 4.7 per cent had attempted suicide.

"When I first started in psychiatric practice 25 years ago, deliberate self-harm was unusual," says Dr Barry Connell, a psychiatrist at the Central Health Medical Practice. "Today we are facing a virtual epidemic, if not a change in the cultural expression of emotional distress in young people."

Now, help is on the way. Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn's educational charity, the Hawn Foundation, is introducing its "MindUP" programme to schools across the city over the next year.

The programme follows Social Emotional Learning (SEL) principles that teach children preventive and coping skills to manage anxiety and stress and, in theory, ready the mind for learning. Students are taught to be optimistic and encouraged to perform random acts of kindness. Mindful breathing exercises are practised for about a minute three times a day.

MindUP will be piloted at Beacon Hill School. If it is successful, the ESF will look to implement the programme at all of its primary schools. The programme is also being adopted by schools in the United States, Britain, Ireland and New Zealand.