The Mind Talk

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Bullying and Mental Health: Identifying and responding to bullying

Two kids verbally tease the third, illustrating the impact of bullying on mental health, with the victim showing visible distress and isolation.

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 […]

Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Navigating the Modern Maternal World

Breastfeeding and mental health. A new mother lovingly holds on to her infant.

As a registered nurse, it is important for me to acknowledge the promotion of breastfeeding and educate all its benefits to mothers. Beyond its nutritional advantages, breastfeeding offers crucial protection against diseases through antibody transfer between mother and child. Additionally, it can reduce the mother’s risk of certain diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancer […]

Relocation and your mental health Coping strategies when making a move

Relocation and mental health illustration: moving boxes with a pink background

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 […]

Loneliness Awareness: Navigating the Unspoken Realities of New Fatherhood

June marks Father’s Day and Loneliness Awareness Month – illustration of a baby’s hand grasping father’s finger and the words Happy Father’s Day in blue.

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

Empty Nest Syndrome illustration – parents wave goodbye to young adult daughter holding her suitcase and passport at the airport.

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 […]

Teen Exam Anxiety: Empowering Students with Strategies to Keep Stress at Bay

Teen Exam Anxiety: Illustration of a female Caucasian student with books on her left and pens on her right.

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, […]

Maintaining Maternal Mental Health: Signs and Symptoms of Perinatal Depression

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month illustration of a blue-haired mother wearing a red top cradling her baby swaddled in white.

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

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 […]

Parental Strategies to Protect Youth Mental Health

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 […]