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Mind Hong Kong urges Hongkongers to ask themselves how they feel #BehindTheMask this World Mental Health Day 2020

05/10/2020
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(Hong Kong, 5 October 2020) In advance of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Mind Hong Kong (Mind HK) announced today the launch of ‘#BehindTheMask’, a campaign that addresses the critical objective of normalising the wide range of feelings Hongkongers are experiencing amidst the pandemic, inspiring them to speak up and seek support for their mental health.

 

Supported by Taikoo Place, the campaign is a response to the declining mental well-being of people in Hong Kong, especially young adults, as a result of the pandemic. An online survey conducted by Mind HK found that amongst Hong Kong residents, 57% of young adults aged 18-34 stated that their mental health has worsened during the third wave of COVID-19 (July – September 2020). Key factors affecting respondent’s mental health during this time include feelings of boredom and restlessness (78%), concerns about work (60%) and their financial situation (65%), as well as feelings of loneliness (60%).

 

The #BehindTheMask Campaign

To help Hongkongers understand that things are not always as they seem when it comes to emotions of others and their mental well-being, especially during these difficult times, the campaign is powered by three core elements, including a video, social media, and clinical support.

 

Video: #BehindTheMask how okay are you?

Due to the pandemic, wearing an emotional “mask” in Hong Kong has become part of daily life; masks hide a person’s expressions, as well as their true feelings. Mind HK’s campaign focuses on Hongkongers and what they are feeling then compares what they can see (with the mask on) and what they can’t see (behind the mask) through a short film.

The short film follows a young woman as she goes about her day in Hong Kong, feeling uncertain and questioning what emotions passers-by are hiding behind their masks. With each person she passes and wonders about, we learn through voice-over how different their inner thoughts are from their outward appearances. By exposing this dichotomy, Mind HK aims to reassure the public that they are not alone in how they are feeling, as well as encouraging individuals to speak up and take care of their own and others’ mental wellbeing during this difficult time.

Social Media

Link to Instagram Filter: www.instagram.com/ar/253025249380287/

To engage the community and encourage them to express their true feelings and emotions under their mask, Mind HK has launched an Instagram filter as part of the #behindthemask campaign. This relatable approach allows people to easily express how they feel and inspire others to openly do so as well.  Each emotion used in the filter is inspired by Mind HK’s survey results and the common feelings people have been facing over the last few months.

 

Dedicated Mental Health Support Initiatives

In addition to raising awareness, the #behindthemask campaign also includes dedicated mental health support initiatives to provide direct support to those in need. The COVID Mental Health Relief Scheme, a partnership with the COVID mental health relief committee, volunteer qualified clinicians in Hong Kong’s private and public practices, is offering short-term pro bono mental health support to those that have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly low-income groups and those in quarantine centres or hospitalised. The second programme is Help Me, Mind HK’s new virtual mental health assistant that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make access to information on mental health and support easier to find and more readily available to the Hong Kong public.

 

To register interest or enquire about the scheme, visit: https://www.mind.org.hk/covid19reliefscheme/

 

Dr. Hannah Reidy (CEO, Mind HK) said: “Everyone in Hong Kong has been affected by COVID-19 in some way, be it through staying at home, being separated from friends and family, uncertainty about work or education, or worrying about the virus itself. By unveiling #behindthemask, we want to show people struggling with their mental health that they are not alone and encourage them to seek the support they need and check in on others.”

 

“COVID-19 has thrust wellness into the spotlight like never before, so we’re looking forward to working with Mind HK to raise public awareness on the importance of mental health. At Taikoo Place, our efforts to build a vibrant community revolve around the wellbeing of tenants, staff and the greater Quarry Bay neighbourhood. Our tailored arts and culture initiatives encourage work-life balance, and help people recharge. This year we’re excited to launch our  PROJECT AFTER 6: THE PITCH 2020 concerts online, and we’re confident they’ll spread positive energy during these challenging times,” Priscilla Li, General Manager, Taikoo Place.

 

-END-

Join the conversation on:

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ9iKmJYHUg&feature=youtu.be
Mind HK Website: www.mind.org.hk

Mind HK Website (#behindthemask): www.mind.org.hk/behindthemask

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HongKongMind
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindhongkong
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mindhongkong

 

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:
Link: gallery.sinclaircomms.com 
Password: talkofthetown

About Mind Hong Kong:

Mind HK, established as “Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited,” is a registered S88 charity (91/16471) committed to improving awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong. They collaborate with other local and international mental health charities and provide online support and training programmes, based on global best practice, to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and equip them with the resources they need. Through collaborative research, Mind HK is leading the way in understanding mental health problems in the city and providing its population with the right support and resources.

Anyone in Hong Kong who needs help with their mental health can be assured that they are entitled to the full support of Mind HK irrespective of their gender, race, background or beliefs. To be effective and credible, Mind HK operates as a neutral and impartial humanitarian charity without any political affiliations or other conflicts of interest. The work we do, especially our research, is dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable groups and maintaining the best mental health possible for all of Hong Kong. We hope that anyone reporting or commenting on our work will respect and support our independence and neutrality.

 

About Taikoo Place

Taikoo Place is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s best-planned business hubs, managed by Swire Properties. The portfolio offers over 5 million sq ft of prime commercial space for local and multinational corporations. A wide range of cosmopolitan business and leisure amenities are situated within the area, including the multi-purpose venue ArtisTree, the co-working hub Blueprint, the private members’ club The Refinery, the landscaped garden Taikoo Park, and restaurants and cafes. Within five-minute walking distance are the shopping mall Cityplaza and the lifestyle business hotel EAST, Hong Kong. www.taikooplace.com

 

Media Contacts:
For information or interviews, please contact Sinclair

Nikki McLucas | [email protected]    | (852) 6895 0534

Sarah Chow     | [email protected] | (852) 5932 9980

 

For emergency support please contact the below services:

Samaritans 24-hour hotline (Multi-lingual): (852) 2896 0000

Samaritan Befrienders 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): 2389 2222

Suicide Prevention Services 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): (852) 2382 0000

More crisis support services can be found here: mind.org.hk/find-help-now

More non-urgent support services can be found here: https://www.mind.org.hk/community-directory/

 

Appendix

 

Online Survey (September 2020) 

Mind HK’s survey was conducted in September 2020 (September 11 – September 27 2020) and received 328 respondents.

 

All respondents (Hong Kong residents only)

  • 37% described their mental health as poor/very poor
  • 55% said their mental health has gotten worse between July and September 2020 (compared to 43% during the early months of the pandemic in Spring 2020)
  • Most significant factors impacting mental health:
    • Feeling bored/restless: (73% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to go out as much (76% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to play sports or exercise (64% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about work: (58% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about your financial situation: (61% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Feeling lonely (55% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)

 

Young adult respondents (18-34) (Hong Kong residents only)

  • 41% described their mental health as poor/very poor
  • 57% said their mental health has gotten worse between July and September 2020
  • 51% reported feeling stressed
  • Most significant factors impacting mental health:
    • Feeling bored/restless: (78% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to go out as much (76% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to play sports or exercise (62% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about work: (60% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about your financial situation: (65% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Feeling lonely (60% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
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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.

Mind Hong Kong urges Hongkongers to ask themselves how they feel #BehindTheMask this World Mental Health Day 2020

(Hong Kong, 5 October 2020) In advance of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Mind Hong Kong (Mind HK) announced today the launch of ‘#BehindTheMask’, a campaign that addresses the critical objective of normalising the wide range of feelings Hongkongers are experiencing amidst the pandemic, inspiring them to speak up and seek support for their mental health.

 

Supported by Taikoo Place, the campaign is a response to the declining mental well-being of people in Hong Kong, especially young adults, as a result of the pandemic. An online survey conducted by Mind HK found that amongst Hong Kong residents, 57% of young adults aged 18-34 stated that their mental health has worsened during the third wave of COVID-19 (July – September 2020). Key factors affecting respondent’s mental health during this time include feelings of boredom and restlessness (78%), concerns about work (60%) and their financial situation (65%), as well as feelings of loneliness (60%).

 

The #BehindTheMask Campaign

To help Hongkongers understand that things are not always as they seem when it comes to emotions of others and their mental well-being, especially during these difficult times, the campaign is powered by three core elements, including a video, social media, and clinical support.

 

Video: #BehindTheMask how okay are you?

Due to the pandemic, wearing an emotional “mask” in Hong Kong has become part of daily life; masks hide a person’s expressions, as well as their true feelings. Mind HK’s campaign focuses on Hongkongers and what they are feeling then compares what they can see (with the mask on) and what they can’t see (behind the mask) through a short film.

The short film follows a young woman as she goes about her day in Hong Kong, feeling uncertain and questioning what emotions passers-by are hiding behind their masks. With each person she passes and wonders about, we learn through voice-over how different their inner thoughts are from their outward appearances. By exposing this dichotomy, Mind HK aims to reassure the public that they are not alone in how they are feeling, as well as encouraging individuals to speak up and take care of their own and others’ mental wellbeing during this difficult time.

Social Media

Link to Instagram Filter: www.instagram.com/ar/253025249380287/

To engage the community and encourage them to express their true feelings and emotions under their mask, Mind HK has launched an Instagram filter as part of the #behindthemask campaign. This relatable approach allows people to easily express how they feel and inspire others to openly do so as well.  Each emotion used in the filter is inspired by Mind HK’s survey results and the common feelings people have been facing over the last few months.

 

Dedicated Mental Health Support Initiatives

In addition to raising awareness, the #behindthemask campaign also includes dedicated mental health support initiatives to provide direct support to those in need. The COVID Mental Health Relief Scheme, a partnership with the COVID mental health relief committee, volunteer qualified clinicians in Hong Kong’s private and public practices, is offering short-term pro bono mental health support to those that have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly low-income groups and those in quarantine centres or hospitalised. The second programme is Help Me, Mind HK’s new virtual mental health assistant that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make access to information on mental health and support easier to find and more readily available to the Hong Kong public.

 

To register interest or enquire about the scheme, visit: https://www.mind.org.hk/covid19reliefscheme/

 

Dr. Hannah Reidy (CEO, Mind HK) said: “Everyone in Hong Kong has been affected by COVID-19 in some way, be it through staying at home, being separated from friends and family, uncertainty about work or education, or worrying about the virus itself. By unveiling #behindthemask, we want to show people struggling with their mental health that they are not alone and encourage them to seek the support they need and check in on others.”

 

“COVID-19 has thrust wellness into the spotlight like never before, so we’re looking forward to working with Mind HK to raise public awareness on the importance of mental health. At Taikoo Place, our efforts to build a vibrant community revolve around the wellbeing of tenants, staff and the greater Quarry Bay neighbourhood. Our tailored arts and culture initiatives encourage work-life balance, and help people recharge. This year we’re excited to launch our  PROJECT AFTER 6: THE PITCH 2020 concerts online, and we’re confident they’ll spread positive energy during these challenging times,” Priscilla Li, General Manager, Taikoo Place.

 

-END-

Join the conversation on:

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ9iKmJYHUg&feature=youtu.be
Mind HK Website: www.mind.org.hk

Mind HK Website (#behindthemask): www.mind.org.hk/behindthemask

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HongKongMind
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindhongkong
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mindhongkong

 

High-resolution images can be downloaded here:
Link: gallery.sinclaircomms.com 
Password: talkofthetown

About Mind Hong Kong:

Mind HK, established as “Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited,” is a registered S88 charity (91/16471) committed to improving awareness and understanding of mental health in Hong Kong. They collaborate with other local and international mental health charities and provide online support and training programmes, based on global best practice, to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and equip them with the resources they need. Through collaborative research, Mind HK is leading the way in understanding mental health problems in the city and providing its population with the right support and resources.

Anyone in Hong Kong who needs help with their mental health can be assured that they are entitled to the full support of Mind HK irrespective of their gender, race, background or beliefs. To be effective and credible, Mind HK operates as a neutral and impartial humanitarian charity without any political affiliations or other conflicts of interest. The work we do, especially our research, is dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable groups and maintaining the best mental health possible for all of Hong Kong. We hope that anyone reporting or commenting on our work will respect and support our independence and neutrality.

 

About Taikoo Place

Taikoo Place is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s best-planned business hubs, managed by Swire Properties. The portfolio offers over 5 million sq ft of prime commercial space for local and multinational corporations. A wide range of cosmopolitan business and leisure amenities are situated within the area, including the multi-purpose venue ArtisTree, the co-working hub Blueprint, the private members’ club The Refinery, the landscaped garden Taikoo Park, and restaurants and cafes. Within five-minute walking distance are the shopping mall Cityplaza and the lifestyle business hotel EAST, Hong Kong. www.taikooplace.com

 

Media Contacts:
For information or interviews, please contact Sinclair

Nikki McLucas | [email protected]    | (852) 6895 0534

Sarah Chow     | [email protected] | (852) 5932 9980

 

For emergency support please contact the below services:

Samaritans 24-hour hotline (Multi-lingual): (852) 2896 0000

Samaritan Befrienders 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): 2389 2222

Suicide Prevention Services 24-hour hotline (Cantonese only): (852) 2382 0000

More crisis support services can be found here: mind.org.hk/find-help-now

More non-urgent support services can be found here: https://www.mind.org.hk/community-directory/

 

Appendix

 

Online Survey (September 2020) 

Mind HK’s survey was conducted in September 2020 (September 11 – September 27 2020) and received 328 respondents.

 

All respondents (Hong Kong residents only)

  • 37% described their mental health as poor/very poor
  • 55% said their mental health has gotten worse between July and September 2020 (compared to 43% during the early months of the pandemic in Spring 2020)
  • Most significant factors impacting mental health:
    • Feeling bored/restless: (73% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to go out as much (76% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to play sports or exercise (64% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about work: (58% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about your financial situation: (61% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Feeling lonely (55% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)

 

Young adult respondents (18-34) (Hong Kong residents only)

  • 41% described their mental health as poor/very poor
  • 57% said their mental health has gotten worse between July and September 2020
  • 51% reported feeling stressed
  • Most significant factors impacting mental health:
    • Feeling bored/restless: (78% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to go out as much (76% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Not being able to play sports or exercise (62% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about work: (60% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Concerns about your financial situation: (65% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)
    • Feeling lonely (60% said this made their mental wellbeing worse between July and September 2020)