Mental Health support for Hong Kong People: Why Seeking Help Doesn’t Mean Something Is “Wrong” With You

For many people in Hong Kong, the idea of seeking psychological support comes with a heavy worry:

“If I ask for help, does it mean I have a problem?”,

“Does it mean I 痴咗線?”,

“Will people think I’m weak, unstable, or dangerous?”,

“Will I be admitted to a psychiatric hospital or forced to take medication?”

These fears are common. They come from cultural beliefs, rumours, news, and stories passed around families, workplaces, schools, and social circles. Sometimes the cultural stigma around mental health feels so strong that it can harm someone more than the actual issue they are experiencing. It can affect careers, relationships, confidence, reputation, and even stop people from getting help early.

But noticing that something is wrong is not a weakness. It is insight. It is courage. The moment you realise that your mood, motivation, relationships, or behaviour have changed, you are already showing awareness and strength. That awareness is the very first step toward recovery, stability, and personal growth.

What It Actually Means When You Notice a Problem

Whether you talk about it or not, your mind and body are always communicating with you. When something starts to interfere with daily life, such as:

• feeling unmotivated to go out, work, or socialise

• losing patience with people you care about

• feeling emotionally overwhelmed

• noticing changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

• struggling to focus, study, or perform at work

…it means your system is sending a signal. Something needs attention. Seeking help simply means you care enough to listen.

Why It’s Better to Ask a Trained Professional (Instead of Diagnosing Yourself Online)

If you are unsure what is happening, it is much better to speak with a trained professional rather than trying to diagnose yourself on Google. Online searches often list every possible mental condition and can make you more anxious than before.

And in Chinese communities, it’s not unusual for people to wonder if they “撞鬼” or if something spiritual is happening when their mood suddenly changes. These reactions are understandable, and they reflect our cultural background.

But the safest first step is still to get professional initial guidance.

Your GP, a community nurse, a social worker, or a mental health practitioner like us at Person Centre can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and guide you to the right level of support. You don’t need to have everything figured out before asking.

How I Describe My Work at Person Centre

When I worked in the NHS in the UK, things were clear and structured: I was the therapist, and the people who worked with me were patients. This matched the system and expectations of the service.

But Person Centre is different and more flexible.

People come to us for many reasons:

• to address depression, anxiety, panic, or stress

• to improve work or study performance using psychological tools

• to have a better relationship

• to develop resilience or better emotional balance

• to prevent mental health struggles

• to simply learn new skills

• or to understand themselves better

  
  

This is why I see our work as learning. Your brain, body, and heart are learning new ways to respond to challenges and habits that may have been with you for years.

If you have a preferred way to be addressed, such as client, learner, participant, or simply your name, please feel free to tell me. What matters is that we are learning together.

Not Every Situation Requires Medication or a Psychiatrist

In Hong Kong, many people think seeing a psychiatrist is the only option. But mental health is diverse, and different issues require different levels of care.

Not all situations require psychiatric medication. Not all situations require psychiatry at all. For many mild to moderate cases of depression and anxiety, therapeutic interventions can be highly effective.

Services like ours exist to triage and support people at the appropriate level. We also know when to recommend higher-intensity services if needed.

Where You Can Start

If you're curious but not ready to commit, you can begin with something small:

✔ Take our free short course

Learn the basics of CBT and Positive Psychology and understand how our approach works.

✔ Book an affordable initial consultation

This is a simple, low-pressure conversation to explore your situation and goals.

Seeking help does not mean you are “broken.”It means you are brave enough to take your well-being seriously.