Covering mental health and suicide responsibly in Hong Kong : The journalist’s ethical duty
Sensational headlines can stigmatise people facing psychological difficulties and discourage them from seeking help, which makes it imperative for journalists in Hong Kong to provide coverage that is responsible, informed and balanced. This is especially important at a time when many Hong Kong people are facing psychological challenges: A recent study showed that more than […]
Relocation and your mental health Coping strategies when making a move
Hong Kong is an exhilarating place. Time lapse videos of the city reveal a perpetually lit up skyline with headlights speeding back and forth across a spiderweb city grid. It’s a unique collection of mixed cultures and languages, attracting people from all over the world. Yet the factors that have attracted so many to make […]
Navigating identities: Being a Bipolar Lesbian in Hong Kong Intersectionality and mental health
As a non-binary, bipolar lesbian in Hong Kong, I’ve had a unique experience within these two communities. I self-identified as a lesbian in my early teens, though it wasn’t until my college years that I officially came out to my mother. Her religious background made her initially taken aback, but it wasn’t until years later, […]
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy : What it is, how it works and the benefits
Hong Kong mother Jane* was struggling with excessive worry and anxiety, which was affecting her daily life and relationships. She felt unable to leave her baby in the care of others, including her helper and husband. She shared she had had difficulty conceiving and that, after several miscarriages, this was her miracle baby. She was […]
Loneliness Awareness: Navigating the Unspoken Realities of New Fatherhood
It’s Father’s Day this month. A special shout out to all the new dads. Now that we’re in the spotlight over Mom for once (amirite?), I’m reflecting on one of my favorite unexpected blessings of fatherhood: how much I learn from my kids. What a deadbeat. I’m the one who’s supposed to do the teaching, […]
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: Ego States, Transactions, and Scripts
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 […]