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Mental health

Mental health

The latest mental health news including well-being, depression, mindfulness and mental health resources.

There is a pressing need to criminalise the sexual grooming of children on the internet, along with sexual messaging. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong’s new legislators must strengthen child protection laws

The city’s children need better legal protection from cruelty, sexual grooming and internet advances.

2 hours ago

Opinion | How to invite meaning to your Christmas feast in a turmoil-filled world

3 hours ago

Hong Kong politics

Young people’s input needed on pressing Hong Kong issues, incoming lawmaker says

24 Dec 2025 - 8:29PMvideocam

How laughter is good for your heart, immune system, pain – even if it’s fake

Studies show that laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, heart health and even lowers pain – ‘it’s like you’ve taken pain medication’.

24 Dec 2025 - 7:15PMvideocam

Giggles and laughter, even when forced, can boost heart health, immunity and mood. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong Red Cross unveils HK$420 million relief fund for Tai Po fire victims

Charity to provide cash, medical and mental health aid under a three- to five-year recovery plan for families hit by the deadly blaze.

23 Dec 2025 - 8:36PM

7 of the most popular health and wellness stories from 2025

Body transformations, scientific breakthroughs and weight-loss journeys are among your most-read health and wellness stories this year.

23 Dec 2025 - 12:45PM

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Bangkok puppy yoga studio offers comfort and stress relief for US$60 per session

Studio collaborates with local dog shelters and breeders, showcasing breeds such as Samoyeds, golden retrievers, and huskies.

21 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM

A puppy yoga studio in Bangkok offers visitors comfort and stress relief for US$60 for each one-hour session. Photo: RedNote

Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols

When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out.

21 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM

Are Trump loyalists struggling in US rural heartland ready to say ‘enough’?

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.

21 Dec 2025 - 7:35AMvideocam

Japan social worker opens ‘It is OK to be useless’ bar to relieve daily pressure

Fish Akiko grew up with a chauvinistic father; she is determined not to replicate her mother’s sacrifices.

20 Dec 2025 - 6:00PM

A Japanese social worker opened a daytime bar nicknamed “It Is OK to Be Useless”, providing a supportive space for people seeking relief from Japan’s productivity pressures. Photo: SCMP composite/musicbird.jp/IG@hirusuna_nakasu

Good Schools Guide

How outdoor classrooms are shaping young minds, from Denmark to Hong Kong

Malvern College and International College believe in the power of outdoor learning and growing in nature’s classroom to build curiosity and resilience.

19 Dec 2025 - 6:00AM

Forest schools such as International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen (ICHKHLY) offer manifold educational and mental benefits. Photo: Handout

Opinion | How young Chinese learned to stop worrying and love themselves

Amid disillusionment and a stagnant economy, China’s young people are taking the initiative to embrace self-compassion and treat themselves well.

18 Dec 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

How to avoid financial stress this holiday season? Experts share tips

From budgeting to giving experiences, a therapist, finance app boss and retail guru share how to enjoy the holidays without racking up debt.

16 Dec 2025 - 5:15PM

Listening to music can lower dementia risk by nearly 40%, new study says

Research shows how listening to music can both lower dementia risk and improve cognitive areas like memory, attention and problem-solving.

15 Dec 2025 - 7:15PMvideocam

Want to boost brain health? A study suggests regular music listening may cut dementia risk by 39 per cent. Photo: Shutterstock

She quit her corporate job to walk 5,700km alone across America

Jessica Guo became the first woman to hike a continuous route linking the Continental Divide Trail with the Great Divide Trail.

16 Dec 2025 - 6:20PM

Jessica Guo quit her job to hike across America. Her trek ended on September 19, at the northern terminus of the Great Divide Trail, at the Kakwa Lake terminus marker for the 54th parallel in Kakwa Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Photo: Jessica Guo

How does humming help you reduce stress? Expert tips on yogic breathing

Humming stimulates the vagus nerve and has other health benefits, and is the base of the yogic breathing technique ‘humming bee breath’.

13 Dec 2025 - 7:52AMvideocam

Trending in China

Chinese woman with social anxiety feeds 120 stray cats with banquet leftovers

Woman has participated in wedding banquets about every 10 days in past 3 years, sometimes bringing home 30kg of untouched leftover food.

12 Dec 2025 - 4:25PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Opinion | After Tai Po fire, Hong Kong needs support, compassion – and answers

While the city waits for an inquiry to deliver findings, it also needs a renewed commitment to safety and oversight to rebuild public trust.

12 Dec 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

Volunteers take a moment on December 8, in front of flowers left by mourners for the victims of the Tai Po fire tragedy. Photo: AFP

How a nap helps you power through the day and why you should set your alarm

An afternoon catnap lasting from 10 to 30 minutes can leave you refreshed and recharged, and even strengthen your mental health over time.

11 Dec 2025 - 3:15PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Letters | Uncovering truth of Tai Po tragedy not at odds with care for survivors

Readers discuss concerns raised about survivors’ psychological well-being, recognising migrant domestic workers’ contribution over the years, and stepping up efforts at disease prevention.

11 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Mental health support essential for all of society after Tai Po fire tragedy

With time, meaningful comfort and social connections will help frontline survivors and the city as a whole recover and find a path forward.

11 Dec 2025 - 6:45AM

People embrace each other after identifying deceased relatives at Kwong Fuk Community Hall on November 27, after the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. Photo: Eugene Lee

Love your baby bump? How to get a bespoke pregnancy sculpture in Hong Kong

Samantha Waterhouse was not able to capture her own unique curves during pregnancy, so now she helps other mothers-to-be preserve theirs.

10 Dec 2025 - 12:15PM

Samantha Waterhouse, pictured here in 2021 when she was pregnant with her first child, has set up a bespoke pregnancy sculpture service that transforms a woman’s unique curves into pieces of art using 3D scanning technology. Photo: The Bump Collective

‘#seeyouwhenim16’: Australia’s social media ban for children takes effect

PM Albanese called the ban, which is being closely watched by other nations considering similar measures, ‘a proud day’ for families.

10 Dec 2025 - 3:58PMvideocam

‘A lot of fear’: Australia’s under-16s anxious ahead of social media ban

As blocks begin on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram before the summer holiday, teens worry they will be ‘basically isolated’ from their friends.

9 Dec 2025 - 5:15PM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Ella Langley, the rising country music star whose song is on Landman

Her song ‘Cowboy Friends’ is on Landman and she shared the stage with Miranda Lambert – but is she dating Farmer Wants a Wife’s John Sansone?

9 Dec 2025 - 6:00AMvideocam

Ella Langley at the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville. Photo: AP

Hong Kong youth

Opinion | Why Hong Kong’s youth must be key part of city’s mental health support

When young people are involved in designing interventions, those interventions are more culturally relevant, better used and more sustainable.

9 Dec 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

The number of students struggling with mental health issues rose 27 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong fire aftermath: how victims are dealing with the psychological toll

Psychologists say encouragement from family, friends and colleagues crucial to helping residents even as government steps up mental health support.

6 Dec 2025 - 9:18PM

Explainer | On the verge of a breakdown, new mother discovers what stress really is

A battle with cancer, a new baby and an alcoholic husband tested high-flying executive Asha’s ability to cope with stress.

6 Dec 2025 - 7:33AM

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