Mind HK: Finally, an organisation that wants to talk about mental health openly

Mind HK works to remove the stigma around mental health issues that can often result from Hong Kong's high-stress lifestyle

There is a lot to love about Hong Kong. From discovering hidden beaches, to hiking mountains, to delicious dim sum, there is a lot to love about Hong Kong. Its attraction for people from all over the world has meant that our little territory has one of the highest global population densities.  We exist in such proximity to one another; so many of us crammed into our apartment blocks and our skyscraper offices.  Despite – or perhaps because – of these close quarters, we live remarkably separate lives from our neighbours.  In our modern society, it is incredible how alone someone can feel, when they are surrounded by literally thousands of other people. Mind HK is on a mission to ensure everyone in Hong Kong living with a mental health problem has the recognition, support and respect they need to make the best recovery possible.

Mental health in Hong Kong

This urbanisation and isolation is causing our mental health to suffer.  Coupled with high-stress jobs, living away from family groups, a work-hard/play-hard ethic, and unhealthy living habits, more and more people are finding that they struggle with their mental health.  One in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, and one in six people in Hong Kong will be experiencing a mental health problem right now.  The fact is, you or someone you know will be struggling with their mental health. However, we don’t talk about it.  It is often seen as shameful or a sign of weakness.  We don’t check in with our colleague if they are suddenly quieter at work; we avoid conversations with the friend who seems to be avoiding social engagements.

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Mind HK

This is the reason that Mind HK exists.  We are a charitable initiative that wants to help everyone in Hong Kong with their mental health and wellbeing.  We provide information about mental health in Chinese and English on our website www.mind.org.hk – so that anyone can access reliable, helpful advice.  We are working hard to raise the profile of mental health so that people will start to talk about it more, and to stop the stigma around it.

This post was written by Dr Hannah Reidy from Mind HK. Learn more about Mind HK by following them on Facebook and Instagram.