Exploring the Pressures and Coping Strategies of Hong Kong’s Youth
Generation Z in Hong Kong faces high levels of anxiety due to school pressure, career planning, and societal expectations. This article is part of a six-part series on Gen Z and mental health, focusing on anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. We share stories from Gen Z and expert advice on coping mechanisms.
Understanding the Anxiety Crisis
The latest Pixar movie, “Inside Out 2,” introduces Anxiety as a character representing the constant worry and fear faced by the main character, Riley. This portrayal resonates with many Hong Kong Gen Z individuals who experience similar feelings in real life.
Key Statistics:
- Only 1 in 10 Gen Zs in Hong Kong report “flourishing” in terms of mental health.
- 67% of Gen Zs have experienced moderate to extreme stress in the past year (AXA survey, 2023).
Causes of Anxiety in Gen Z
Minal Mahtani, CEO of OCD & Anxiety Support Hong Kong (OCDAHK), identifies several sources of anxiety for Gen Z:
- Academic Pressure: The intense focus on doing well in school.
- Career Planning: Stress about future career paths.
- Social Media: Negative body image and constant comparison to others online.
Clinical counselor Katrine Cheng adds that anxiety can also stem from trauma and PTSD, causing sudden surges of fear and worry.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and restlessness
- Nausea and heart palpitations
- Trouble sleeping
- A sense of impending doom
Globally, about 4% of the population (301 million people in 2019) have an anxiety disorder, yet only a quarter seek help (WHO).
Coping Strategies and Therapies
Expert Approaches:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps patients explore their thoughts and revise unhealthy thinking patterns (Katrine Cheng).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A talk therapy that helps identify and challenge negative thoughts (Minal Mahtani).
Personal Stories:
- Louisa Wong: A 21-year-old student and poet, Wong uses writing to manage her anxiety. Despite being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, she finds solace in expressing her emotions through poetry on Instagram (@louisaspoetryy).
- Vani Kaul: A 16-year-old OCDAHK intern, Kaul practices Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to alleviate anxiety. The therapeutic effects of kathak, an Indian classical dance, have helped her establish a strong mind-body connection.
Community Support and Advice
OCDAHK provides a supportive environment for individuals like Kaul to explore their interests and cope with anxiety. Minal Mahtani emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and movement in releasing trapped emotions.
Louisa Wong shares her advice for those struggling with anxiety: “Believe in the future beyond the pain you feel now. Belief carries people through darkness.”
Anxiety is a significant issue for Hong Kong’s Gen Z, driven by academic, social, and personal pressures. However, with proper therapy, community support, and personal coping strategies, many are finding ways to manage and overcome their anxiety.
