Empty Nest Syndrome: Navigating the Bittersweet Journey of Parental Transition
As our children spread their wings and leave the nest, we are often left with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Pride, joy, and anticipation for their future are intertwined with a sense of loss, loneliness, and uncertainty about our own and their lives. This emotional rollercoaster known as Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) is one many […]
Parenting an LGBTQ+ Teen: What You Can do When They Come Out
One of the earliest conversations you may have had with your child may involve their declaration of their gender identity: they are a “boy” or a “girl”. As some children grow, their identity and their attractions appear not as clear cut as the socialised norms they may have been exposed to. In the US, about […]
Teen Exam Anxiety: Empowering Students with Strategies to Keep Stress at Bay
Is your child one of the many millions of young people sitting their exams this summer? Nervous before an exam are natural – they allow our children to perform at their best. But, when anxiety levels remain elevated over an extended period, it can lead to a persistent state of fight, flight or freeze mode, […]
Transactional Analysis
Transactional Analysis, a psychodynamic approach first developed by Eric Berne in 1961, is based on the premise that we all have three ego states: Parent, Child, and Adult. These ego states, which have both a positive and negative aspect to them, influence our behaviors and interactions with the people around us. Transactional Analysis approach is […]
From Fear to Hope to Love: My Mental Health Journey as a Cancer Thriver
As my fellow countryman William Wallace said “Every man dies. Not every man truly lives”. Here is how I turned my death sentence into a life sentence. In August 2020, at age 51, I found out I was dying. I had just been diagnosed with stage IV terminal lung cancer which had spread to my […]
Maintaining Maternal Mental Health: Signs and Symptoms of Perinatal Depression
May is recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about perinatal depression, which encompasses prenatal depression and postpartum depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have recently given birth face mental health challenges, primarily in the form […]
Mental Health and Parenting : Navigating Cultural Diversity
For all its benefits, reconciling cultural differences can impact mental health. A vibrant and diverse city, Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot where East meets West. Cultural diversity enriches the fabric of everyday life: parents and children are exposed to a wide array of languages, traditions, and customs proven to foster a sense of […]
Wellness Tips for Mental Health
When Covid insidiously took over the world, it highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy habits to maintain and sustain physical and mental health. During this difficult period, people responded to the challenges in various ways, including experiencing feelings of deep depression and grappling with different anxiety and mental challenges. Some found solace and support in […]
Shifting Perspectives on Neurodiversity in Adults and Children
What do high-achieving individuals like Albert Einstein, Alan Turing, Michael Phelps, Simone Bile, Liv Tyler and Emma Watson have in common? They are all hugely successful people who are neurodivergent. Neurodiversity, a term coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, refers to the natural diversity that exists in human neurodevelopment. Interestingly, Singer herself is […]
Parental Strategies to Protect Youth Mental Health
“The youth is the hope of our future.” – Jose Rizal. The younger generation carries a beacon of hope within them, guiding us towards the future. As the elders of society, it is our responsibility to create conducive environments for their growth. During the ages of 15 and 24, these young people encounter various challenges […]