Your Voice: Why you should invest in your mental health; technology can transform the travel experience (short letters)

One significant expense to consider in the times we live in is professional mental health support and therapy.

There has been growing awareness and understanding of mental health issues, leading to increased availability of free resources, such as hotlines, online support groups, and self-help materials. While these can be helpful as a starting point, there are several reasons why investing in professional mental health support is valuable.

Licensed mental health professionals undergo extensive training and education to develop the necessary skills to address a wide range of mental health concerns. They have in-depth knowledge of various therapeutic techniques and interventions that can help individuals navigate their specific challenges.

By investing in therapy, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their thinking patterns and develop skills to navigate challenges more effectively. This self-awareness and growth can have long-lasting benefits and positively impact various areas of their lives.

Help! How do I deal with emotional eating?

Livia Lam Sze-yi, Pope Paul VI College

As a secondary student who has enjoyed exploring many global airports in my travels, I am keenly interested in how innovative technologies can be leveraged to enrich the flying experience.

Hong Kong International Airport, in particular, possesses tremendous potential due to its status as a major global aviation hub and its existing state-of-the-art facilities. However, there is still room to elevate the experiences of its travellers.

Smart mobility solutions hold great promise in this regard. Implementing a comprehensive suite of mobile apps would empower travellers with real-time information and interactive tools directly in their palms. Features like customised maps detailing transportation connections, dining options, currency exchanges, and more could help alleviate travel stress.

Passengers could wirelessly check-in, retrieve boarding passes, and receive journey updates to transition seamlessly between touchpoints. Beacon technologies could complement this effort by guiding individuals personally. Getting creative with applications of emerging technologies and tailored experiences can raise the bar for airport travel worldwide.

Chris Shum Chun-hei, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Most teenagers nowadays are glued to their smartphones, watching short videos and consuming content. However, this type of entertainment can have long-lasting adverse effects, such as shortening their attention spans. Moreover, this type of content is highly addictive. So, how can we address this issue?

It is crucial to develop consistently good habits. For example, dedicating daily time to exercise or meditation can help us maintain a clear state of mind. Engaging in delayed gratification activities like exercise can help build a more robust mental foundation. In contrast, instant gratification activities like indulging in sweets or endless scrolling can harm us.

If students want to become independent and resilient early on, they must prioritise self-care. How can they be expected to care for a family if they cannot control themselves?

I understand that life can sometimes be challenging, but that’s how life works. Adopt an optimistic mindset and focus on self-improvement. By doing so, teenagers will be better equipped to navigate life in the long run.

Ho Chung-yau, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College

I believe that children should have opportunities to explore their interests and develop their abilities instead of solely focusing on academic goals.

Many students may work hard on their academics but forget to explore other exciting avenues. However, it is essential for children to have time for play, fun, and interaction with friends. This balance between studying and relaxation is beneficial for their mental health.

It is also crucial for the youth to find a balance between online interactions and managing the adverse effects. While we all benefit from social media, there are hidden risks that people express concerns about. It is not only children but also adults who need to adopt critical thinking to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

It is essential for us to explore our interests and potential abilities. Although most of us understand this idea, only a few can follow it. Striking a good life balance can be challenging as we often face limitations. Nevertheless, we can try to listen to and understand our actual thoughts to ensure unnecessary things don’t pull us away.