Part I: Mental Health of Youth in Densely Populated Cities and Adolescents in Hong Kong
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health encompasses a state of well-being in which individuals recognize their own abilities, effectively manage everyday stresses, engage in productive work, and contribute to their communities.
The WHO also states that approximately 1 in 7 (14%) adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide experience mental health conditions, many of which often go unrecognized and untreated. Research conducted by Chyu and Chen (2022) highlights the significant correlation between academic stress and mental distress among adolescents in Hong Kong.
Academic stress not only affects performance in school but can lead to eating disorders, addiction, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Chyu and Chen (2022) point to the practice of academic self-disclosure as a major barrier to open communication between adolescents and their families. High levels of academic stress may deter adolescents’ motivation to disclose their academic challenges to their parents, cutting them off from essential emotional and community support and resources.
While students all over the world may have these experiences, poor mental health is at crisis levels in densely populated cities like Hong Kong, where competition in various aspects of life is intense and market prices are high. Nurturing self-esteem and implementing coping strategies are invaluable ways to address these challenges. Through social-emotional learning (SEL) tools, individuals can develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-management skills, leading to clearer communication, meaningful awareness, and responsible decision-making.
While children should learn these skills at school, they can also be practiced with parents and families at home to complement each other, creating a collaborative team approach to supporting mental well-being now and in the future. Moreover, these strategies facilitate the more productive processing of emotions, enhance emotional regulation, and build resilience, ultimately contributing to improved mental health and well-being and better decision-making abilities in densely populated urban environments.
References:
Chyu, C. H., & Chen, C. (2022). Academic self-disclosure to parents: Importance for establishing effective communication within the family unit. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range.
World Health Organization. (2024, March). Mental health of adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
World Health Organization. (2024, March). Mental health: Strengthening our response. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
