Demystifying the Role of Sleep and How to Use It to Support Mental Health
In a fast-paced city like Hong Kong, sleep often takes a backseat to work, family, or personal time. A 2024, Department of Psychiatry at CUHK Medicine study, involving 5,500 participants found that 40% suffered from moderate to severe insomnia. Meanwhile, an ESDlife survey of 704 residents revealed that 74% had poor sleep quality, and 83% […]
Understanding OCD: Debunking Myths and Offering Hope
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a term that is often misused in everyday conversations. Many people casually refer to it when discussing someone who prefers order or cleanliness, reinforcing a stereotype that portrays OCD as merely a quirk or personality trait. However, this perception, heavily influenced by media portrayals, does a disservice to those who genuinely […]
Lindsey McAllister – Mentoring the next generation of Hong Kong to find courage, authenticity and creativity through theatre
In a vibrant conversation with Lindsey McAllister, we explore her transformative journey from being inspired by a mentor to becoming a guiding light for young people in Hong Kong. Lindsey, known for her bold and colourful style, exudes the same brightness in her personality. Our chat revealed the passion and dedication she brings to her […]
Janet Ledger of Community Business: Creating a world where DEI and belonging are at the forefront
“Belonging is the missing piece in diversity, equity, and inclusion” says Janet Ledger, CEO of Community Business. As someone who worked in a male dominated industry often, she felt like she did not belong, based on her gender and her socio-economic status amongst other things. For Janet, it is important that everyone feels heard and […]
Hope for love: Can couples’ counselling rescue your marriage?
Relationship psychologist Barbara De Angelis reminds us, “Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It is something you do”. Part of “doing marriage” entails keeping our relationships in good health. A good marriage is not created by luck, it is created by effort. Perhaps your marriage may benefit from […]
Healing Trauma: An Integrated Approach to Mental Health
It was the unbearable strain of her high-conflict marriage that compelled Kim (*name changed), a working mother of two, to seek mental health support through psychotherapy. Facing ongoing emotional abuse and episodes of physical aggression within her eight-year marriage, Kim felt overwhelmed and trapped in a cycle of despair and hopelessness. Her system in a […]
Bullying and Mental Health: Identifying and responding to bullying
Bullying is a common problem in Hong Kong, as it is in many countries and regions across the world (Johansson et al., 2022). Bullying can have a big impact on a child. The experience of being bullied is associated with poorer concentration, lower school attendance, a weaker sense of belonging in school, and lower academic […]
Suicide and loneliness in seafarers
The isolation and stresses of life at sea can lead to severe psychological challenges, including suicidal thoughts. The emotional toll of these issues and the struggles of supporting colleagues in distress are ongoing issues. Allied to this are concerns as to whether seagoing suicide data is accurate. Seafarer Suicide There are many things that training […]
Exploring the Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Modern Mental Health Care
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is a growing concern. While traditional therapies like CBT and medication are common, many are exploring hypnotherapy as an alternative evidence-based modality. Hypnotherapy uses guided hypnosis to promote positive behavioural and emotional changes. Its non-invasive nature and versatility make it a valuable tool for managing various mental health issues, […]
Embracing Menopause: Understanding the changes, signs, and symptoms
Menopause is a natural event that affects half of humankind, but there is no universal experience. Based on natural menopause alone it is estimated that the number of menopausal women worldwide will reach 1.1 billion by 2030; yet, why is it that we still know so little about it? The stigma that surrounds menopause and […]