Navigating Mental Health Support in Hong Kong

Seeking assistance for mental health concerns can often be an overwhelming experience, particularly in a location such as Hong Kong where accessible and affordable support can be difficult to obtain. However, the non-profit organization, Mind HK, is taking significant steps to provide much-needed assistance through its free Emotional Wellbeing Check-in.

The necessity for such a service is evident through the statistics. In 2013, one in seven residents in Hong Kong were dealing with a common mental health disorder. Presently, that figure has increased to one in six. This signifies that individuals struggling with mental health issues are certainly not alone.

Eddie’s story serves as a compelling example of why seeking help at an early stage is crucial. Six years ago, Eddie began to notice that something was amiss. His hands trembled and he experienced difficulty breathing in certain situations. If he had sought help when he first noticed these symptoms, it is possible that he could have prevented reaching the point of having panic attacks.

Enter Mind HK. Launched earlier this year, their Emotional Wellbeing Check-in comprises a 45-minute consultation with a well-being practitioner designed to aid individuals in understanding their current emotional wellbeing status and requirements. This service is confidential and accessible in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, thus reaching a wide range of individuals.

One of the main challenges in seeking mental health support in Hong Kong is the prolonged waiting times in the public healthcare system, along with the steep cost of private therapy. Mind HK’s initiative aims to bridge this gap by offering individuals the necessary support and guidance, without the burdensome price tag.

Dr Jeffy Ho, a clinical psychologist and Mind HK clinical adviser, underscores the significance of this initiative in helping individuals comprehend what they are going through and validating their emotions. The well-being check-in does not focus on making a diagnosis, but rather on listening and directing individuals toward the appropriate next steps, which may involve guiding them towards community resources where they can obtain support at little to no cost.

The Emotional Wellbeing Check-in represents just the start of Mind HK’s efforts to address mental health support in Hong Kong. Their long-term objective is to collect data on the success of this programme and potentially establish it as a self-sustaining model that can continue to fill the gap in mental health services.

Apart from Mind HK, there are other organizations in Hong Kong offering low-cost or free counselling services, such as The Zubin Foundation, St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service, Resources Counselling, Jabez Counseling Services Centre, and Methodist Centre Counselling Service. These resources offer professional mental health services and support to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and communities.

In essence, the message is crystal clear: if you or someone you know is grappling with mental health concerns, there are accessible and affordable resources available in Hong Kong. Mind HK’s Emotional Wellbeing Check-in and the various counselling services provided by other organizations serve as valuable stepping stones towards seeking the necessary support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.