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Depression and anxiety continue to be the leading mental health conditions plaguing Hong Kong youths, according to two groups collaborating to help local youngsters.
Academic pressure and family strain are the main causes of distress, according to staff at Coolminds, a joint project between Mind HK and KELY Support Group. And the Covid-19 pandemic has not made life any easier.
“Classes have all changed from in-person to online,” said Nanki Luthra, Coolmind’s programme coordinator. “Kids are stuck at home more and that means more conflict with family members. There is also the loss of social interaction with friends that young people crave.”
She noted lower-income families had been especially affected due to their limited resources.
“There might not be enough computers at home for all the siblings to work on, and even if there are, the entire family is sharing bandwidth that may not be enough,” she said.