A mental health epidemic too? Hong Kong employees complain of stress, depression, anxiety amid fifth wave of Covid-19 infections

University researcher Jennifer*, in her twenties, found it difficult to cope at work after a close relative died a few months ago. “It became clear to me over a few weeks that I was really overwhelmed,” she recalled. “I could tell that I was really stressed.” What helped was that the public university where she worked sent regular emails reminding staff that psychological help services were available if they were struggling with mental health issues. Jennifer felt nervous seeing a counsellor for the first time, but it proved useful as she learned how to grieve properly and cope better at work. Nearly half of Hongkongers surveyed suffer ‘moderate to severe’ anxiety “A big part of that help was just having the space and time to talk through events, recognise how I felt and what resources are available to me. I started feeling better immediately,” she said. More Hong Kong white-collar workers have been experiencing mental health problems ranging from anxiety to depression especially during the city’s fifth wave of Covid-19 infections, according to psychologists. And employers keen to retain talent have realised the importance of paying attention to their workers’ mental health. According to a survey conducted in March by mental health organisation Mind Hong Kong, almost half of 1,000 respondents displayed varying levels of depression when the fifth wave of infections hit early this year. About half did not tell anyone. Some were unaware of the help available, while others were worried about the cost. Hong Kong’s tough social-distancing measures also affected individuals’ mental health, as people dreaded being placed in isolation or having to be cooped up at home. “Workplaces that provide mental health services greatly support employees needing help,” said Henry Chan, a training coordinator at the organisation. ‘I feel like I’m talking to myself’: living with Hong Kong’s zero-Covid strategy Ben Cheung, CEO of online mental health platform Soulgood, said he saw a sharp rise in people seeking help since March, during the fifth wave. The platform’s team of more than 50 counsellors provide help to those with stress, depression and anxiety. More corporate clients have come on board too, mainly bigger companies in industries like finance and advertising with a hectic office culture and long working hours. Cheung said those seeking help ranged in age from 20 to over 50 and mainly worked in lower to mid-level positions. They simply logged on to the platform anytime to be matched with a counsellor providing therapy by text or video calls. Clinical psychologist Dr Tess Browne, who runs her own practice and works with both individuals and companies, said she had also received more inquiries and requests for training sessions from larger companies. She conducts a variety of online programmes, including teaching employees to be aware of their emotional well-being and encouraging managers to support their teams’ mental health better. She advises managers to establish a more personal relationship with their subordinates to understand them better and be alert if someone is struggling with mental health issues. The signs to look out for included an employee becoming more withdrawn, coming in late, or having difficulty concentrating, she said. Browne said workers should stay connected with colleagues and family, find time to practise gratitude for what was going right in their lives and spend time in nature. Most Hong Kong youngsters don’t seek help for mental health issues: survey Among employers doing more for their staff, global mobility consultancy firm ECA International encouraged its 10 employees in Hong Kong to speak to internal counsellors if they needed to, said Lee Quane, its Asia regional director. Those with families faced challenges during the pandemic helping children with home-based learning, and the change in school holidays during the fifth wave meant they had to go on leave or work reduced hours. Some employees tried to make up for lost time by working outside their normal working hours, but Quane said this could also leave them coping with fatigue. Accounting firm Deloitte has improved resources for its employees by adding a 24/7 medical support hotline. This is on top of its psychological hotline run by a professional organisation, a spokeswoman said. HSBC, Hong Kong’s biggest bank, provided educational activities and free counselling even before the pandemic, but has added more wellness classes including yoga and meditation since the fifth wave of infections. Meanwhile, experts have observed a growing number of Hong Kong employees choosing to quit their jobs because of stress and burnout during the pandemic. “These are certainly challenges affecting people in Hong Kong, which has some of the longest working hours and some of the strictest social-distancing measures worldwide,” said Karen Lau, a clinical adviser from Mind HK. According to the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, service industry workers in contact with many people faced greater stress and anxiety during the fifth wave, pushing some to quit their jobs. Dr Ivan Mak Wing-chit, a psychiatrist and member of the association, said he had a patient in his forties who had a managerial job in the catering industry and worried constantly about supporting his team, while accounting to his superiors for the poor business. “He felt helpless and struggled with low self-esteem, leading to insomnia, headaches and depression. This pushed him to quit,” Mak said. ECA’s Quane said his organisation had not seen many resignations, but employees now cared more about work-life balance. “People are taking up more pursuits outside work to maintain a consistent work-life balance. This should be accepted by employers who will find it increasingly difficult to request employees work long hours to meet unrealistic targets with little financial gain for themselves,” he said. * Names changed at interviewees’ request. Additional reporting by Lo Hoi-ying If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page https://ibpf.org/resource/list-international-suicide-hotlines. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255.

A mental health epidemic too? Hong Kong employees complain of stress, depression, anxiety amid fifth wave of Covid-19 infections

More employers offering support, aware that pandemic has taken a toll on workers’ mental health From online therapy to group sessions, affected workers get help to cope with mental distress

More employers offering support, aware that pandemic has taken a toll on workers’ mental health

From online therapy to group sessions, affected workers get help to cope with mental distress