Mental health care in Hong Kong suffers from stigma and shortages. 4 groups are helping
Charlotte Chan had professional care for her mental health issues. Many in Hong Kong face a long wait. Four groups have stepped up to help
When Charlotte Chan laced up her shoes to run 62 kilometres (39 miles) around Hong Kong Island in 2022, she was not just preparing for a physical challenge. She was setting out on a mission.
Having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety when she was younger, as well as witnessing the impact of suicide on families and communities, the 25-year-old was keen to raise awareness of and support for mental health.
The Weez Walk, an annual fundraising running/walking event organised by non-profit organisations the Weez Project and KELY Support Group, provided a meaningful way for Chan to do this. The funds raised go towards supporting mental health and suicide prevention programmes.
“With professional care and the support of family and friends, I was able to recover,” says the dentist of her own mental health journey, adding that it also took resilience and courage.
But many people in Hong Kong do not have access to the same resources, Chan notes. “The stigma surrounding mental illness makes speaking up incredibly hard.”
In Hong Kong, mental health issues are a growing concern across all age groups.
