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Mental health

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

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.

Wellness

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

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China society

Outside In | Plight of Hebei’s freezing elderly shows urgent need for pension reform

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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.

Yap Shing Xiuen, 16, was found dead in a school toilet in Malaysia on October 14, stabbed more than 200 times from her neck to thigh, according to her mother. Photo: Facebook
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.

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.

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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.

American Vintage is a buzzy French brand with a line of colourful retro fitness looks. Photo: Handout
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.

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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.

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.

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The Wang Fuk Court blaze claimed 161 lives. Photo: Jonathan Wong
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.

Feeling bored? Experts say boredom boosts creativity, resets your nervous system and helps you assess if you need a change in life. Boredom also allows time to rest the brain and eyes and helps nurture development in young brains. Photo: Shutterstock
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’.

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.

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.

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A couple kiss next to a Christmas tree in Kyiv, Ukraine, during celebrations before a curfew on December 31. Photo: Reuters
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.

Hikers at Dragon’s Back trail in Shek O, Hong Kong. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. Photo: Eugene Lee
Wellness

Wellness gets a 2026 upgrade as ancient wisdom meets modern modalities

The Langham, Hong Kong, has a 3-part Trinity of Calm wellness journey, while The Upper House has a collab with TCM-based Chain’s Medicare Centre.

Wellness

Experts’ tips on safeguarding your brain health – one is being social

Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular exercise and increasing your social interactions can help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

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Wellness

Hong Kong’s wellness social clubs are redefining networking. Here’s how

Wellness social clubs in Hong Kong blend fitness and networking, offering the health-conscious a new way to connect beyond dinners and bars.

People take part in a yoga session at a recent SoberSweat event. Hong Kong’s young professionals are ditching traditional networking for wellness social clubs like this one. Photo: SoberSweat
Crime

Paris Metro stabbings suspect moved to psychiatric hospital, prosecutors say

The suspect, a Malian citizen jailed in January 2024 for aggravated theft and sexual assault, attacked 3 women on the city’s Metro on Friday.

Wellness

Why young people are turning to Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers

Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith.

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Wellness

What are the secrets to a long and healthy life? A longevity expert reveals

Bill Gifford shares diet, exercise and lifestyle tips on how to live to 100 and older, like Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest person at 116.

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Longevity expert Bill Gifford climbs stairs with a heavy rucksack. Low fitness, in terms of strength and cardiovascular capacity, “is a massive, massive risk factor for early death and disability”, he says. Photo: Bill Gifford
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.

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

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

Helping others, starting meaningful conversations and making the festive season more sustainable are just a few ways to celebrate this year.

Hong Kong politics

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

Lawmaker-elect Grace Chan also says there is room for more effective communication within the social welfare sector.

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Wellness

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’.

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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.

CEO Bonnie So says the Hong Kong Red Cross has raised HK$420 million. Photo: Karma Lo
Wellness

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.

Viral stories

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.

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