A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS), the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) psychiatry department, and the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) department of social work has highlighted that nearly 30% of individuals from South Asian and Southeast Asian backgrounds in Hong Kong are at “high risk” of developing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, or insomnia. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by this demographic, including the cost of professional help and perceived language and cultural barriers, hindering their willingness to seek assistance.
The survey involved interviews with 273 Hong Kong residents of South Asian and Southeast Asian ethnicity conducted between January and August of the previous year. Results, unveiled on Thursday, indicated that 22.8% of respondents were at high risk of depression, 13.6% at high risk of anxiety, and 12.2% at high risk of insomnia. The survey also found that 28.6% were at high risk of developing at least one disorder.
Obstacles preventing individuals from seeking professional mental health care were explored in the survey. Approximately 70% cited the cost as a deterrent, with 56% expressing concerns about “language and cultural barriers,” and 37% indicating a lack of knowledge about where to seek help. Over 40% considered mental health issues as “shameful,” and a similar percentage believed these problems would resolve on their own.
Working men, whether full-time or self-employed, faced higher hurdles, making them less likely to seek help and increasing their vulnerability to mental health issues, the researchers found.
In response to the findings, the researchers recommended that employers participate in the voluntary Employee Assistance Programme provided by the HKCS, offering services to staff. They also urged the government and relevant organizations to enhance understanding of mental health services among ethnic minorities, improve these services, and recruit more ethnic minority frontline staff.
Paul Wong, associate professor and clinical psychologist from HKU’s social work department, emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and sensitivity in mental health services. He stated, “When social service providers have cultural diversity and sensitivity, it helps avoid prejudices or stereotypes, making the service more friendly.”
The issue of mental health in Hong Kong gained prominence in June after two women were fatally stabbed in a shopping mall in a seemingly random attack. Subsequently, the government introduced “enhanced measures” to improve mental health support in the city. However, access to mental health professionals remains a challenge, with public psychiatry services experiencing high demand and brief appointment durations.