Depression and Anxiety in Hong Kong
1 out of 7 people in Hong Kong is estimated to suffer from a mental illness at least once in their lifetime based on a recent study. This is higher than the 1 out of 8 statistics reflecting a worldwide estimate.
A lot of factors contribute to this threatening curve in numbers. A mix of anxiety and depressive disorders has been frequently diagnosed in recent years. These two conditions dominated the top spots for most common mental health illnesses for the people of Hong Kong.
What is Depression?
Depression is a common condition that can easily go unrecognized. While depression is closely associated with sadness by most people, the gravity of the effects of depression far outweighs that of sadness. Depression symptoms vary from mild to severe, with both mental and physical indicators. The main
What is Anxiety disorder?
Anxiety is anticipation or worries about a concern that is yet to happen, it is a normal reaction to stress and dangers that help us cope with the situation at hand. Having anxiety attacks hinders one’s ability to make judgments logically.
Relationship between Depression and Anxiety
While anxiety is considered a high-energy state and depression is a low-energy, you might find it surprising that these mental conditions are closely related. When a person already has anxiety, it’s more likely for them to develop depression as well. Why? Because when one becomes overly concerned over a future event that doesn’t happen yet, it’s easier to develop depressing emotions leading to depression.
Trend and Future Projections
Studies show an increase in mental health concerns during the covid pandemic situation. People being deprived of their freedom to go out and see the effects of the pandemic in the lives of the victims and their families, along with the financial and economical setbacks that result from such situations became hard to bear.
By the year 2030, depression is estimated to be the sole leading mental illness in Hong Kong. This projection is alarming.
Government Efforts for a Solution
The government of Hong Kong adopted an integrated approach to prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of mental illness patients as a response to the population’s mental health concerns. The Food and Health Bureau and Social Welfare Department are co-ordinating works with other sectors’ services for people’s mental health needs. The overall effort of the government on promoting mental health started years back and is continuing with special considerations due to post-covid repercussions.
Help from Private Institutions
Hong Kong counselling service centres like Everyday Empathy have seen an increase in the need for professional interventions. There has been an increase in the number of private institutions that provide mental health assistance which aids in supplementing the government efforts in this area.
What You Can Do as an Individual
For years, Asian people have had negative connotations of mental illness. Since individuals are openly expressing cynical opinions on the topic, those who are suffering from these conditions become reluctant to reach out for help.
When you notice someone showing signs of poor mental or simply going through a rough patch, offer to chat. Starting a conversation is an easy way to help them open up.
Finally, the patient’s willingness is the most important. Acknowledgment is crucial for their condition’s early diagnosis and treatment. If you suffer from any symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder, talk to a friend or a loved one. They are your most trusted support system for your mental well-being.
