Hong Kong’s mental health crisis: nearly half of residents suffer ‘moderate to severe’ signs of anxiety amid coronavirus fifth wave, survey shows
- ‘Emerging adults’, those aged between 18 and 30, were found to be ‘most at risk’ from developing anxiety
- Number of people who sought mental health counselling surged as the city imposed some of its strictest social-distancing curbs
Nearly half of Hong Kong residents surveyed amid the city’s worst wave of Covid-19 infections showed “moderate to severe” signs of anxiety, while the number of people seeking mental health counselling tripled in the first quarter compared with the same period last year.
The results were from a report involving 3,749 participants aged over 18, polled by Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service and Education University (EdU). The survey was aimed at assessing the mental wellness of residents during the pandemic.
The researchers also studied the effectiveness of online counselling support and interactive mental health workshops.
Dr Kevin Chan Ka-sing, head of the department of psychology at EdU, said on Sunday the survey found that those aged between 18 and 30 were “most at risk” from developing anxiety.
Roughly one in every two persons polled was suspected to be suffering from anxiety issues, as 47 per cent of respondents reported “moderate to very severe” symptoms.
Among those in this age group, 36 per cent experienced “moderate to very severe” symptoms of depression, and 38 per cent reported “moderate to very severe” signs of stress.
“This age group called ‘emerging adults’ face a lot of life adjustment issues including academic pressure and employment issues”, Chan said, adding that such residents who were staying at home with their parents might encounter tensions due to lifestyle differences.
