Paul Yip

Opinion | Let’s change the narrative on mental health in Hong Kong

Mental health issues are more common than some might think. Talking openly and reaching out to people around us who may be struggling can help

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Many young people still find it difficult to speak about their mental health struggles. Photo: Shutterstock

Paul Yip

Published: 9:30am, 10 Sep 2024

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide remains a major public health problem and it is estimated that more than 700,000 people worldwide die due to suicide every year, with countless others being profoundly affected by each death. Suicide has far-reaching social and economic consequences. Preventing it is under one of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN.

In 2023, more than 1,000 people died by suicide in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, the suicide rate was 13.6 per 100,000 people, above the global average. In particular, the suicide rate among those aged below 15 rose to a record 2.9, from 0.8 in 2022.

Although the social restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic have been lifted, their psychological impact continues to linger. In Hong Kong, full-day face-to-face classes were gradually resumed in February 2023.

A return to normal schooling should have alleviated the mental strain arising from the triple loss of social connection, learning support and a sense of routine; yet new issues emerged. Students struggled to readjust to life in school. Some had difficulties forming relationships with teachers and classmates, coping with the greater demands of schoolwork and thriving in a competitive school environment.

The government is running a three-tier programme to provide professional support for schools handling students with mental health needs. However, the emphasis is more on cure than prevention. A more holistic approach would be to work with the school community in fostering a supportive and caring environment.

The HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention is committed to preventing youth suicide through individual- and school-level interventions, but sustaining such efforts will also require the participation of the community at large.