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PRESS RELEASE: Not my problem? Hong Kong’s attitude toward mental health is changing, but there’s plenty of room for improvement

28/02/2019
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  • Nearly 75% of people in Hong Kong agree that those who experience mental health problems should be better included in society, but 40% would be unwilling to live nearby someone with mental health problems
  • 60% agree that there is ‘something about people with mental illness that makes it easy to tell them apart’
  • 40% felt that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and willpower

(Hong Kong, 28 February 2019) – As part of their ongoing mission to improve awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong, Mind Hong Kong (Mind HK) has released new research today, revealing the general public’s attitude toward mental health and the stigma surrounding these issues across the city. The statistics reveal the notion that while many believe Hong Kong should be more tolerant of those experiencing mental health problems, they do not consider it to be a personal responsibility and are less willing to engage closely with this issue. The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, King’s College London, and funded by Aetna International.

“The first step to reducing stigma around mental health is to increase the conversation around it. On a positive note, this latest research shows that attitudes to mental health in Hong Kong are improving and that the majority of residents agree that those who experience mental health problems should be more included in society. However, it is also apparent that more needs to be done. If we simply took one extra step to be more personally tolerant and inclusive, we would see a huge shift in perception towards mental health,” said Hannah Reidy, CEO of Mind HK.

In its survey of 1,210 randomly selected adults in Hong Kong, Mind HK’s research shows that within the city, an individual’s knowledge, attitudes, and intended future behaviours related to mental health are strongly interrelated. Although most research participants felt those who experience mental health problems should be more included in society, they were relatively unwilling to engage personally, including living with someone, or even as neighbours. Public attitudes toward mental health and stigma in Hong Kong have not previously been comprehensively researched and Mind HK’s results reveal these four key attitudes:

  • 60% of respondents agree that there is ‘something about people with mental illness that makes it easy to tell them apart’
  • 25% of respondents currently work with, or have worked with, someone with a mental health problem
  • Approximately 60% do not know where to seek mental health help outside of hospitals, such as NGOs and other community organisations
  • 40% agree that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and willpower, implying a greater need for awareness and knowledge surrounding mental health

Mind HK collaborated with Hong Kong-born illustrator, Dufficool, to bring these results to life. Drawing on her personal experience with depression, Dufficool hopes others can find peace and sincerity through her simple, quirky illustrations. “I’m proud to have overcome depression and learning from the past, I understand that happiness is a choice,” says Dufficool. “I’m really pleased to have partnered with Mind HK on this project. I hope these designs can encourage people in Hong Kong to have a different perspective towards mental health and approach the issue with an open mind.”

 

Full press release (ENG) can be found here: 2019-02-28 Mind HK – New Research Results_Final (EN).

Full press release (CN) can be found here: 2019-02-28 Mind HK – New Research Results_Final (CH)

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:

Link: gallery.sinclaircomms.com

Password: talkofthetown

About Mind Hong Kong:
Mind Hong Kong is an initiative formed out of the Patient Care Foundation. It is committed to improving awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong. They provide online support and interventions, based on global best practices to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and to equip them with the resources they need. Through collaborative research Mind Hong Kong are leading the way in understanding mental health problems in the city and providing its population with the right support and resources.

About Aetna International

Aetna International, a CVS Health company, is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health care benefits and population health solutions worldwide. One of the largest providers of international private medical insurance, Aetna International serves more than 900,000 members worldwide, including expatriates, local nationals and business travellers. Its global benefits include medical, dental, vision and emergency assistance and, in some regions, life and disability. Aetna International also offers customised technological and health management solutions for health care systems, government entities and large employers to improve people’s health, enhance quality of care and contain costs. For more information, see www.aetnainternational.com.

Join the conversation on:

Website: www.mind.org.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HongKongMind

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindhongkong

The full research report is available here: http://bit.ly/MindHKResearch

Connect with Dufficool and see more of her work:
Website: https://hk.pinkoi.com/store/duffissocool
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dufficool/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buiiyi/; https://www.instagram.com/dufficool/

Media Contacts:

For information or interviews, please contact Sinclair

Annabel Lee | [email protected] | (852) 9829 1206
Kelly Chan | [email protected] | (852) 6825 4496

For emergency support please contact the below services:
Samaritans 24-hour hotline: (852) 2896 0000
Suicide Prevention Services 24-hour hotline: (852) 2382 0000
More crisis support services can be found here: mind.org.hk/find-help-now

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

PRESS RELEASE: Not my problem? Hong Kong’s attitude toward mental health is changing, but there’s plenty of room for improvement

  • Nearly 75% of people in Hong Kong agree that those who experience mental health problems should be better included in society, but 40% would be unwilling to live nearby someone with mental health problems
  • 60% agree that there is ‘something about people with mental illness that makes it easy to tell them apart’
  • 40% felt that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and willpower

(Hong Kong, 28 February 2019) – As part of their ongoing mission to improve awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong, Mind Hong Kong (Mind HK) has released new research today, revealing the general public’s attitude toward mental health and the stigma surrounding these issues across the city. The statistics reveal the notion that while many believe Hong Kong should be more tolerant of those experiencing mental health problems, they do not consider it to be a personal responsibility and are less willing to engage closely with this issue. The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, King’s College London, and funded by Aetna International.

“The first step to reducing stigma around mental health is to increase the conversation around it. On a positive note, this latest research shows that attitudes to mental health in Hong Kong are improving and that the majority of residents agree that those who experience mental health problems should be more included in society. However, it is also apparent that more needs to be done. If we simply took one extra step to be more personally tolerant and inclusive, we would see a huge shift in perception towards mental health,” said Hannah Reidy, CEO of Mind HK.

In its survey of 1,210 randomly selected adults in Hong Kong, Mind HK’s research shows that within the city, an individual’s knowledge, attitudes, and intended future behaviours related to mental health are strongly interrelated. Although most research participants felt those who experience mental health problems should be more included in society, they were relatively unwilling to engage personally, including living with someone, or even as neighbours. Public attitudes toward mental health and stigma in Hong Kong have not previously been comprehensively researched and Mind HK’s results reveal these four key attitudes:

  • 60% of respondents agree that there is ‘something about people with mental illness that makes it easy to tell them apart’
  • 25% of respondents currently work with, or have worked with, someone with a mental health problem
  • Approximately 60% do not know where to seek mental health help outside of hospitals, such as NGOs and other community organisations
  • 40% agree that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self-discipline and willpower, implying a greater need for awareness and knowledge surrounding mental health

Mind HK collaborated with Hong Kong-born illustrator, Dufficool, to bring these results to life. Drawing on her personal experience with depression, Dufficool hopes others can find peace and sincerity through her simple, quirky illustrations. “I’m proud to have overcome depression and learning from the past, I understand that happiness is a choice,” says Dufficool. “I’m really pleased to have partnered with Mind HK on this project. I hope these designs can encourage people in Hong Kong to have a different perspective towards mental health and approach the issue with an open mind."

 

Full press release (ENG) can be found here: 2019-02-28 Mind HK - New Research Results_Final (EN).

Full press release (CN) can be found here: 2019-02-28 Mind HK - New Research Results_Final (CH)

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:

Link: gallery.sinclaircomms.com

Password: talkofthetown

About Mind Hong Kong:
Mind Hong Kong is an initiative formed out of the Patient Care Foundation. It is committed to improving awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong. They provide online support and interventions, based on global best practices to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and to equip them with the resources they need. Through collaborative research Mind Hong Kong are leading the way in understanding mental health problems in the city and providing its population with the right support and resources.

About Aetna International

Aetna International, a CVS Health company, is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health care benefits and population health solutions worldwide. One of the largest providers of international private medical insurance, Aetna International serves more than 900,000 members worldwide, including expatriates, local nationals and business travellers. Its global benefits include medical, dental, vision and emergency assistance and, in some regions, life and disability. Aetna International also offers customised technological and health management solutions for health care systems, government entities and large employers to improve people’s health, enhance quality of care and contain costs. For more information, see www.aetnainternational.com.

Join the conversation on:

Website: www.mind.org.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HongKongMind

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindhongkong

The full research report is available here: http://bit.ly/MindHKResearch

Connect with Dufficool and see more of her work:
Website: https://hk.pinkoi.com/store/duffissocool
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dufficool/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buiiyi/; https://www.instagram.com/dufficool/

Media Contacts:

For information or interviews, please contact Sinclair

Annabel Lee | [email protected] | (852) 9829 1206
Kelly Chan | [email protected] | (852) 6825 4496

For emergency support please contact the below services:
Samaritans 24-hour hotline: (852) 2896 0000
Suicide Prevention Services 24-hour hotline: (852) 2382 0000
More crisis support services can be found here: mind.org.hk/find-help-now