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
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.
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 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.