Letters | Why Hong Kong should aim to transform mental health care

Readers discuss the benefits of a holistic approach to treatment, progress on Hong Kong’s duty to legally recognise same-sex relationships and North Korea’s role in the Ukraine war

Reading Time:4 minutes

People walk along the waterfront on Hong Kong Island on September 5. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 11:30am, 25 Oct 2024

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

It was good to see Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s recent policy address underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to mental health care, especially with young people, working people and those in recovery. The mental health situation in Hong Kong highlights the urgency of adopting innovative approaches, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated psychological issues for young and elderly people with loneliness, anxiety disorders, depression and suicidal ideation.

While this is a step in the right direction, embracing a transdisciplinary approach could yield even greater benefits.

A transdisciplinary approach goes beyond the traditional multidisciplinary model by integrating knowledge and expertise from various fields to create a cohesive and holistic treatment plan. This method fosters a deeper understanding of mental health issues by combining wisdom from counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and teachers.

However, implementing a transdisciplinary approach is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle is overcoming professional barriers. Professionals might resist changing their established ways of working and fear losing their professional identity. Effective communication is another challenge as different disciplines often have their own jargon, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Training and education are crucial for the success of transdisciplinary teams. Professionals need to develop interdisciplinary skills and undergo continuous capacity building with the presence of professionals from various disciplinaries. Organisational changes are also necessary, requiring structural adjustments and effective resource allocation.