The 2019 protests and its aftermath have brought about a “Mental health aftermath after social movements” in Hong Kong.
According to a January 2020 study by The University of Hong Kong (HKU),
roughly one in ten (9.1%) residents here suffer from depression.
Estimated additional number of adults with
probable depression within the past decade.
Times Higher
Prevalence of PTSD symptoms after the 2019 social movement compared with after the 2014 protests.
In a separate HKU study published in August 2020
40.9%
of those surveyed exhibit moderate to high symptoms of
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Around 1 in 2
Of those surveyed aged 24 or below
reported severe symptoms of depression and PTSD.
73.7%
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed exhibit moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
36.4%
Of those surveyed with symptoms of both PTSD and depression.
Life in Hong Kong and its pace is stressful, and the conflicts and trauma arising from the social movement have only made it worse. There is little doubt that arrested youths and those prosecuted face an even harsher reality and are perennially vexed as they undergo the judiciary process.
Arrested youths often experience feelings of despair, loneliness and helplessness, as a result of the uncertainties that come with their arrest and prosecution. Many of them are on frosty terms with their families to begin with, and such bonds are likely to further deteriorate if the parents hold different political views and do not see eye to eye. Deteriorating family relationships is an apparent ticking time bomb, where if left untreated could spiral downwards and affect even more family members.
PROJECT CHANGE’S
COUNSELLING SERVICE
Counselling service for a duration of 1-2 years. Each year shall consist of 50 one-hour counselling sessions, which include individual counselling, e-learning, and action learning projects.
Individual Counselling
(In-person or online)
Professional shall provide tailored counselling services to arrested youth who suffered from mental health related issues. The counselling aims to assist the youths and their loved ones to cope with challenges arising from the social movement.
Family Counselling
Through supportive family-centred therapy, we aim to help ameliorate tense family relations, so as to empower families to play a greater and more positive role in the youths’ development.
Community Participation
This type of counselling aims to help prepare the youths for taking up more social responsibilities, and enable them to acquire knowledge and skills in expanding their social network.
We have had numerous youths and their loved ones who, with the counselling of our professional team, improved their family relationship and felt more hopeful about their future. If you are feeling lost or confused, and wishing for improvement, you are welcome to contact us anytime.