A recent survey conducted by Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service has revealed that one in four secondary school students in Hong Kong are suffering from moderate to severe depression. The survey, which assessed the wellbeing of 1,646 students from November to April, underscores the need for a more supportive environment and the inclusion of young voices in mental health policy planning.
The findings, released on Sunday, show that 33.6% of students exhibit symptoms of depression, with 25.5% facing moderate to severe levels that warrant professional intervention. Students reported distressing thoughts such as feeling “useless” and “hating” their lives. Additionally, nearly 30% of students reported experiencing anxiety, with 20.5% enduring moderate to severe anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms like dizziness and trembling.
The survey highlighted that while the overall wellbeing of students is average, 20% reported a low level of wellbeing. Thomas Fung, the director of children and youth mental health at Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, noted on RTHK that many students tend to self-blame for personal failures, such as poor academic performance.
Historical data from 2018 indicates persistent mental health concerns among Hong Kong teenagers, with half of the students showing depressive symptoms and around 30% feeling “helpless” about the future.
The NGO has called on various stakeholders to address self-criticism, improve family dynamics, and foster a positive school environment. It also recommended enhanced collaboration between schools, families, and community mental health centers, and urged authorities to incorporate young people’s perspectives into mental health policy development.
