Mental Health in Hong Kong: Focus on Youth and Community Action

Mental Health Awareness Among Hong Kong Youth

Mental health issues are a growing concern for young people in Hong Kong. Camille Cheng, an esteemed swimmer and mental health advocate, is at the forefront of this movement. Along with fellow athletes Stephanie Au Hoi-shun and Jamie Yeung Zhen-mei, she co-founded Mind the Waves, a charity dedicated to providing support and resources for those at risk of mental health crises.

Community Engagement and Support Initiatives

Through initiatives like the recent self-care fair in Tai Hang, Cheng and her team are striving to make discussions about mental health more approachable. They emphasize that proactive measures are necessary, rather than waiting for crises such as burnout or depression to escalate. Cheng believes that creating relatable dialogues around these topics can ease the stigma and encourage engagement among young people.

A Call for Greater Awareness

• The suicide rate among young people in Hong Kong has witnessed a troubling increase, with recent reports indicating 12.2 deaths per 100,000 individuals aged 15 to 24.
• Mind the Waves also aims to educate and equip youth ambassadors to ensure that their efforts remain relevant to the struggles faced by young people.
• Cheng's upcoming TEDx talk titled 'Using an Olympic Mindset to Empower Life' will further amplify the message of mental health advocacy.

With a strong educational background in psychology, Cheng is poised to make an even greater impact in the field. She believes in the importance of integrating mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing among youth.