University of Hong Kong: 16.6% of Hong Kong Youth at Risk of Mental Illness in 2022

Research team at the University of Hong Kong found that the prevalence rate of possible mental illness among Hong Kong youth in 2022 is 16.6%. (Benson Lau/Epoch Times)

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Hong Kong analyzed over 3,000 Hong Kong youth and found that the prevalence rate of possible mental illness among them in the past year (2022) is 16.6 percent, with depression being the most common. Shockingly, among those at risk of mental illness, a staggering 74.1 percent have not received any psychiatric or psychological services.

From 2019 to 2022, the University of Hong Kong conducted a community survey called the “HK-YES Study,” using epidemiological methods to understand the prevalence rate of mental illness, the rate of inadequate help-seeking, and risk factors for mental crisis among Hong Kong youth.

Advisory Committee Chairman on Mental Health and Senior Barrister Wong Yan-lung, Prof. Eric CHEN Yu Hai from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Hong Kong, and Dr. Stephanie Ming Yin Wong, a dedicated researcher at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Hong Kong, held a press conference to announce the research findings.

The study involved 3,340 young participants, and after analyzing the data, the team discovered that academic pressure was the primary source of stress (42.8 percent), followed by work or career (14.4 percent) and personal prospects (12.5 percent). In the past year, the prevalence rate of possible mental illness among Hong Kong youth was 16.6 percent, with depression being the most common (13.7 percent). However, among the youth at risk of mental illness, 74.1 percent are currently not receiving psychiatric or psychological services.

The research findings point out four major risk areas for mental crisis, including family space, personal mindset, digital life, and adversity transformation. Risk factors in the family space include a family history of mental illness, childhood adversity, poor family relationships, and a lack of personal space. Experts suggest strengthening the role of family involvement and providing mental health support for young people and offering a “third space” for them to relax.

Regarding the personal mindset, risk factors include neuroticism, low self-esteem and resilience, a tendency towards loneliness and hopelessness, and a negative outlook on the future. Experts recommend implementing positive psychology and personalized measures to address risk factors such as resilience, self-esteem, and loneliness among youth.

Encouraging Health-consciousness Through Healthy Phone Usage

In terms of digital life, risk factors include excessive use of smartphones and cyberbullying, while poor sleep quality and irregular breakfast habits are lifestyle-related risks. Experts advocate for healthy and conscious smartphone use among young people, and interventions based on sleep can also contribute to enhancing mental health.

Regarding adversity transformation, in addition to personal pressures like academic stress, it also includes stress brought about by events such as the pandemic. The research team suggests excessive rumination on depressive symptoms, and stressors can further deteriorate mental health. Experts promote supporting young people in managing stress with a healthy attitude, such as through exercise.