A recent survey conducted by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong has revealed alarming statistics regarding men's mental health in the region. Out of 1,698 men surveyed, 417 were identified as being at risk of moderate to severe mental health problems, with over half (50.8%) aged between 35 and 54. The survey, which took place from October last year to September this year, was released on November 16, 2024, in conjunction with International Men’s Day [71d58c0a]. The findings highlight that many men in Hong Kong are grappling with long working hours and financial struggles, which contribute to their reluctance to seek help. Among those who received counseling, 58% reported experiencing moderate to extremely severe anxiety, and 14% had suicidal thoughts prior to receiving services [71d58c0a]. The association is advocating for targeted mental health support for men and increased public education to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues [71d58c0a].
In Hong Kong, recurring murder-suicide cases have highlighted the need to review the welfare safety net in the city. The latest incident involved an elderly couple in an upscale residential neighborhood, where the 71-year-old woman took the life of her ailing 84-year-old husband before attempting to kill herself. The couple, who came from a wealthy background, were not known to be receiving help from the government. Some lawmakers argue that current welfare services primarily target grass-roots families, leaving the middle and upper classes without adequate support [28d64b80]. Carers often face physical, financial, and emotional burdens and can become depressed. A hotline offering support to carers has received over 14,600 calls since its launch in September last year [28d64b80]. Authorities are urged to consider providing more proactive services and expanding the welfare safety net to cover a wider range of society [28d64b80].
A recent poll conducted by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong revealed that less than 33% of secondary school pupils in Hong Kong would seek help for mental health issues. The survey, which involved 826 pupils from Form 1 to Form 6, found that nearly half of the respondents 'would not necessarily' seek help, with over 20% stating they 'would not seek help at all.' Simon Ho San-moon noted that students with a lower willingness to seek help showed higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The Education Bureau recorded 32 suspected suicides among pupils last year, more than double since 2018, and the number of students with mental illnesses tripled from 600 to over 1,900 in five years. Alarmingly, the suicide rate among girls under 15 has increased by over seven times since 2022. The Chinese YMCA urged the government to make emergency mechanisms for mental health support permanent, while Professor Paul Yip emphasized the need for vigilance regarding student well-being [f82259fa].
In the United States, single mothers, especially those who are unmarried and living in poverty, experience high rates of psychological distress. On average, single mothers have lower levels of wealth, more caregiving responsibilities, and are more vulnerable to economic shocks. They are also more likely to experience poor mental health, which can have negative impacts on their children. Research shows that the safety net, including programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid, can improve the mental health of single mothers. Increasing the generosity of these programs and improving access to mental health care can help alleviate the psychological distress faced by single mothers and improve family well-being [d340c38d].
The suicide rate among young Americans has been increasing, with no clear explanations for the trend. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate for individuals aged 10 to 24 increased by 57% between 2007 and 2018. Factors contributing to the rise in suicides include mental health issues, access to lethal means, social media influence, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, experts emphasize that there is no single cause for the increase and that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue. The article also mentions the importance of early intervention, destigmatizing mental health, and providing support and resources for at-risk individuals [08ad6457].
A recent study by scholars from Macau and mainland universities has revealed the alarming trend of problem gambling in Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China. The study, based on data collected from gambling helpline callers between 2015 and 2021, highlights the limited support measures available to gambling addicts in these regions and emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and prevention efforts. The study surveyed 943 gamblers seeking assistance through local helplines, with the majority originating from Macau. The study revealed that 73% of those surveyed were in debt, with 9% having debts exceeding 1 million patacas. Suicidal ideation is also a significant issue, with 40% of the surveyed gamblers reporting feeling extremely distressed during phone calls, and over 5% admitting to having suicidal thoughts. The scholars emphasized the need for a more tailored approach to gambling helpline services, as researchers uncovered significant regional disparities in caller preferences and accessibility needs [002efd6d].
The increasing number of student suicides in Hong Kong, particularly among younger students, has raised concerns about the education system's role in addressing the underlying issues. According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, there have been numerous cases of teenage suicides and attempted suicides in Hong Kong, with school-related pressures, particularly academic stress, identified as significant contributing factors. The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating social and emotional learning skills into the curriculum to help students cope with the pressures they face. It also highlights the need for resources and training for teachers and parents to support students' social and emotional development. The author suggests that a proactive approach focusing on prevention is essential and calls for collaboration among policymakers, educators, families, and the community to prioritize measures aimed at prevention [20d0c4f7].