-
TOPIC

Mental health

Mental health
The latest mental health news including well-being, depression, mindfulness and mental health resources.
One of the things that Dana Nakagawa talks about in her YouTube videos is her interpretation of the Japanese concept of ikigai. “It’s what brings you joy, and it intersects with what you do on a daily basis. It could be something like your morning coffee,” she says. Photo: Dana Nakagawa
Wellness

Japanese-American, 60, who went viral saying it’s never too late to start over

Dana Nakagawa reinvented herself as a content creator and now posts videos on starting over, decluttering and her interpretation of ikigai.

videocam
Japan

Japan child suicides reach record high as experts warn of mounting pressures

videocam
Hong Kong police

Letters | Kudos to Hong Kong police negotiators for listening and saving lives

Wellness

How do superagers stay so young? Genes can play a key role, study suggests

People in their 80s with high brain function are far less likely to carry the APOE4 gene than those showing mental decline, research finds.

A team of scientists say “superagers” are likely to possess genetic advantages that reduce their dementia risk. Photo: Shutterstock
Crime

Man who beat 4 to death in New York Chinatown ‘heard voices’

Randy Santos is asserting an insanity defence after admitting to the fatal bludgeoning of four men in 2019, including one from Hong Kong.

Wellness

Skydiving? It’s just another day for these retirement home residents

From skydiving to gardening, VR experiences offered to residents of US retirement homes are having positive effects on their quality of life.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Education in Hong Kong

AI mental health app helps Hong Kong students accentuate the positive

EmoCare, powered by artificial intelligence, began trial run last month, serving around 700 primary, secondary and university students.

EdUHK’s AI Education Tools showcase with (left to right) Professor Alpha Ling Man-ho, Professor Song Yanjie, and associate vice-president (quality assurance) of the department of psychology Susanna Yeung Siu-sze. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Wellness

When dementia steals the right words, the ‘wrong’ ones speak volumes

Experts say dementia patients often lose the ability to communicate, but the metaphors they use can help carers better understand them.

Crime in Hong Kong

Woman, 73, charged with murdering husband in Tsim Sha Tsui hotel

Pair found unconscious in hotel room, with man, 77, suffering potentially fatal stab wound, police say.

Wellness

Explainer | What is ‘soft January’? New trend helps you start the year with less pressure

January means ambitious fitness and career goals for many of us. Wellness experts explain the ‘quiet reset’ alternative that’s catching on.

January often brings “exhausting” pressure to set rigid self-improvement goals, but “soft January” offers a kinder alternative. Wellness experts talk about what the trend means to them. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong urged to boost support for at-risk elderly across all social classes

Calls by analysts for expanded support follow arrest of elderly woman who allegedly killed husband before attempting suicide.

Elderly people aged 60 or above have the highest suicide rate among all age groups in 2024, according to data from concern group Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong. Photo: Jelly Tse
Japan

Long and short of it: why Okinawa lost crown as Japan’s island of longevity

Okinawan men fell from first to 43rd while women slipped to 16th in the last life expectancy survey, a slide that is expected to continue.

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | This year, Hong Kong must resolve to rewrite the script for retirement

Any long-term solution requires a re-imagination of retirement – beyond the outdated view of retirees as passive welfare recipients.

videocam
Wellness

The huge benefits of quitting alcohol, from weight loss to slowing ageing

Ex-drinkers and sobriety experts explain how life is better and healthier without drinking as many attempt the same during Dry January.

Jodi Clark, seen in January 2023 and this month, who now runs online groups, challenges and retreats for women, has lost 38kg (84lb) since she stopped drinking more than 3 years ago. Photo: Jodi Clark
Wellness

We rewrite our memories every time we recall a moment. How that can help us

Every time we recall something, it sets off actions that change us and alter our memories – something that could have therapeutic benefits.

videocam
When we recall events, our brain alters that memory, while the memory changes us at the same time. This has many therapeutic possibilities. Photo: Shutterstock
China society

Outside In | We are speeding towards a demography of loneliness

The swarming sociability of family life is fading as one-person households and lonely deaths rise. Coping with loneliness is now a life skill.

videocam
Malaysia

Malaysia rules 15-year-old fit to stand trial in 2025 murder of Yap Shing Xuen

Following a psychiatric review, a teen faces trial for the stabbing of schoolmate Yap Shing Xuen, who suffered over 200 wounds.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Art

Hong Kong artist challenges labels surrounding disability in new show

In ‘Decolonising Madness’ at Eaton HK, Sophie Cheung explores colonial-era definitions of ‘mental incapacity’ that still inform laws.

Sophie Cheung poses among works at her “Decolonising Madness: The Naturally (In)complete Human” exhibition, which runs at Eaton HK until February 1. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Wellness

Singaporean pro boxer uses skills from the ring to dominate life’s other fights

Efasha Kamarudin credits boxing for helping her build self-confidence, tackle body-size hang-ups and bounce back from new motherhood blues.

Wellness

5 power-ups for 2026 to start your 2026 wellness journey right

Check out apparel and footwear from the likes of Sporty & Rich and American Vintage, then sign up for Apple Fitness+ to stay focused on your goals.

Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong’s ageing population needs purpose, not just medical care

Too many among the city’s ageing population struggle on their own due to stigmas around mental health and a lack of targeted policies.

videocam
An elderly woman at Oi Man Estate in Ho Man Tin in October 2025. Photo: Jelly Tse
Wellness

Explainer | It’s not you, it’s the weather: all about seasonal affective disorder

Beat the winter blues – and even summer SAD – with expert tips on light therapy, diet and mindfulness for better seasonal mental health.

A man sits outside on a cold day in Hong Kong. SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is triggered by extreme weather changes and less daylight in winter, making us feel, well, sad. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Housing anxiety impeding Hong Kong fire trauma recovery: mental health experts

Many Wang Fuk Court residents displaced by the deadly inferno are now living in hotels, youth hostels or transitional housing.

videocam
Wellness

The benefits of boredom, from more creativity to better cognitive function

Often seen negatively, boredom is crucial for creativity and growth – so stop turning to your phone when you feel it coming on, experts say.

Trending in China

China ‘instant reply providers’ offer solace by responding to angry clients online

‘Good listeners’ with a high emotional quotient earn cash by listening to people’s gripes; offer to provide a ‘whole-day good mood’.

A new job known as an “instant reply provider” has emerged in China. It involves individuals immediately responding to clients’ messages to vent frustrations through online platforms, phone calls or videos. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Can you achieve happiness? That depends on your philosophy

From the Ancient Greeks and Buddhists to Christian thinkers and positive psychologists, happiness has taken many forms.

Happiness has been defined in many ways throughout history, and there are as many different theories about how to achieve it. Photo: Shutterstock
War and conflict

Outside In | 2025 was the year of denial. What now?

Despite the threat of wars, tariffs, climate change and AI, normality has persisted. But it can only be a matter of time before such contradictions explode.

videocam
Wellness

6 health and wellness tips for 2026 – keep things simple, sleep, move more

Experts reveal what simple health habits you should develop in 2026, from prioritising sleep to walking more to skipping wellness fads.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement