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Mental health

Mental health
The latest mental health news including well-being, depression, mindfulness and mental health resources.
Around the world, more people are growing up as only children; marrying late, if at all; having children late, if at all; and living alone in old age. Photo: Shutterstock
China society

Outside In | Shrinking families have left us isolated and lonely in just a generation

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

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Malaysia

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

Art

Hong Kong artist challenges labels surrounding disability in new show

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.

Efasha Kamarudin, known professionally as The Face, poses inside the ring at the Spartans Boxing Club in Singapore, where she trains. Photo: Instagram/fash_theface
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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Heanney Banks’ Yana Method offers practical tools for mothers in Hong Kong, including breathwork sessions and live group coaching. Photo: Handout
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.

Meeting new people will push you to have conversations and help you grow a support system that will be there in difficult times. It is one of the ways that can help you protect your brain health. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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.

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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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Christian podcaster Megan Ashley films her show In Totality at her home. She is one of many Christian influencers rapidly gaining followers on social media. Photo: AP
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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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.

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.

Being more sustainable and contributing to causes you care about, are just a few ways to create meaning with your Christmas feasts. Photo: courtesy Chomp
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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Grace Chan beat two other candidates for the social welfare seat. Photo: Edmond So
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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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.

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.

Terri Cheong saw her weight fall 19kg from February to September, through strength training and a change in diet. Photo: Ultimate Performance
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.

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

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.

United States

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.

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