More than half of Hong Kong youths suffer from symptoms of depression

More than half of secondary school students showed signs of depression, a recent survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) found. 

The common symptoms included difficulty concentrating, becoming annoyed easily and being unable to sleep well. 

The youth group interviewed some 3,600 students from Secondary 1 to Secondary 6 in October and found that 52 percent exhibited symptoms of depression. The result was similar to that of a 2019 survey. 

In addition, around 49 percent of the students were found to have high stress levels since the new school year started – with a score of 7 out of 10. 

The top three concerns of students in the new school year were their grades, a heavy workload and frequent tests or exams, the survey found. 

About 48 percent said that they would play computer games to cope with negative emotions, while some others would choose to sleep and watch movies.  

HKFYG is concerned that these situations will affect students' health, causing obesity and alienation from interpersonal relationships. 

From last September to this year's August, HKFYG had received nearly 20,000 requests for help related to students' emotional issues, of which 60 percent of them were related to school life.  

Some students said that they had difficulty in keeping up with the progress after resuming face-to-face classes in the new semester since they had not concentrated on their online classes last year. 

Some others were in a low mood as their friends had emigrated. 

There have been several cases of students committing suicide since the beginning of the school year. 

The organization said that the causes of suspected suicide are complex, suggesting schools identify students that are emotionally disturbed and establish a culture of "help is not for the weak" on campus. 

They also recommended schools give students space to breathe and encouraged students in need to actively seek help.