‘Stop medicalising mental health issues,’ new chairman of Hong Kong’s advisory committee says

“Most students do not have mental health illnesses, and we should not say they do just because they attempted suicide, they do have emotional issues but that does not mean they should be sent to doctors straightaway,” he said.

“The first line of defence is always their teachers, schoolmates, family, friends, or even the friends they met on social media, their roles are way more important than a doctor.”

1 in 4 Hong Kong children suffered from mental disorder in past year: study

At least 28 students in primary and secondary schools took their own lives this year, compared with 25 in 2022, 25 in 2021, and 21 in 2020.

A citywide survey conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found nearly one in four children and adolescents suffered from at least one mental disorder in the past year, and more than 8 per cent of secondary school students had suicidal thoughts.

Lam said tackling the surging suicide rate would be one of the key focuses of his work.

Under the three-tier suicide prevention system by the authorities, the first and second levels focus on raising awareness of mental health universally and supporting at-risk students respectively.

The third tier is the indicated level, where students with mental health problems receive designated services, including psychiatrists.

Post-pandemic challenges behind rising pupil suicides: Hong Kong education chief

Lam said he wished more efforts would be dedicated to the first and second tiers that covered most students by fostering a more accepting and embracing attitude towards mental health issues.

“Many people had a similar experience during adolescence, they would feel lost in uncertain times, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

“This is a microcosm of society, if we can address and reverse this trend, I believe we can apply similar approaches to handle other issues as well.”

Lam also said that the World Health Organization had earlier declared loneliness a pressing global health threat, which had deeply affected the city, as he observed a more distant interpersonal relationship and more loosened social and family structure.

“But we do not have to be lonely, our students are not hopeless, and many people are willing to lend a helping hand and walk with them along the way … we need to acknowledge the uniqueness of our problem to tackle it,” he added.

For example, he said schools and workplaces must acknowledge the fact that it was highly possible for some of their students and employees to suffer from mental health problems.

‘Therapy can help Hong Kong youth with mental issues linked to parental fights’

They should then create a more inviting environment where they are welcome to express their emotions, instead of accepting it as a norm.

The 62-year-old is currently the chief executive officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on elderly care and rehabilitation services.

He also held various public positions, including as an unofficial member of the Executive Council, chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, and former chairman of the Elderly Commission.