Nearly Half of Hongkongers Show Signs of Depression, Anxiety, or Both, Co-Study by Mind HK and Manulife Hong Kong Estimates

Hong Kong – It is estimated that 46% of Hongkongers have mild to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or both, with more than 16% falling into the moderate to severe clinical range. This was the headline finding from a survey of 1,000 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and above, commissioned by local mental health charity Mind HK in partnership with Manulife Hong Kong. 

Young adults aged 18–29 were the most affected, with an estimated 43% experiencing symptoms of depression, including 20% assessed as moderate to severe, and 32% experiencing symptoms of anxiety, including 15% assessed as moderate to severe. 

Encourage open dialogue around mental health care

Despite the high prevalence of these symptoms, only 3% of respondents ranked professional counselling or therapy as their top source of support. This highlights a significant reluctance to seek professional help, potentially due to limited access to the appropriate resources, persistent stigmas around mental health support, and financial considerations. These findings underscore the urgent need to normalise evidence-based mental health care and ensure accessible, quality mental health support to help individuals navigate life’s defining moments.

Significant life events affect mental health, respondents report

Life challenges reported by respondents as being most detrimental to mental health were: Major financial difficulties (40%), relationship breakups (35%), job loss or redundancy (33%), death of a close friend (32%), and long-term job-seeking without success (27%). The prevalence of symptoms among younger people is likely due at least in part to facing life transitions such as entering the workforce, financial concerns and future uncertainties. These findings indicate that mental health challenges often arise from common and inevitable life experiences, emphasising the need for mental health support throughout the lifespan.

Emotional support lacking when needed

Research estimated that while 72% believe emotional support during life transitions is important, most do not receive adequate help when it is needed the most.

For example, 25% of respondents who experienced pregnancy loss in the past 12 months reported feeling completely unsupported, showing how emotional well-being is often overlooked during critical moments.

“We recognize that mental health is a critical part of holistic well-being, and the findings from this study highlight the importance of continued attention in this area. As individuals navigate different life stages and transitions, it’s essential to understand the challenges they face from multiple perspectives. Through our collaboration with Mind HK, we aim to foster greater awareness, encourage open conversations, and contribute to a society that prioritizes resilience and overall wellness,” said Patrick Graham, CEO of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau.

International Mental Health Conference in Hong Kong

Supported by headline sponsor Manulife, Mind HK will host the Hong Kong International Mental Health Conference from 6-8 November 2025. Themed “Navigating Life’s Defining Moments”, the event will bring together more than 50 experts to address mental health challenges faced during major life transitions. 

“Adjusting to major life transitions, whether joyful or painful, is central to the human experience. Yet with smaller families, city living, and changing work patterns, traditional sources of wisdom and support are disappearing. Events like pregnancy, parenthood, loss, divorce, or redundancy can feel like personal failures, surrounded by shame and isolation. Experienced alone, these moments can drive long-term and even intergenerational poor mental health. Through our conference, Mind HK is uniting research, lived experience, and community voices to ensure no one has to face life’s defining moments alone,” said Dr Lucy Lord, Executive Chair of Mind HK.

This conference is a central component of the strategic charity partnership between Mind HK and Manulife, launched in May 2024, which aims to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health and the associated support services in Hong Kong. More than 800 attendees from around the world are expected to join, with nearly 70 partners involved. It will feature over 50 international and local speakers from diverse fields, including:

• Professor Dinesh Bhugra CBE, Professor Emeritus of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity, King’s College London; Past-President of World Psychiatric Association (2014-2017)
• Dr Amos Cheung, Clinical Psychologist; President-Elect, The Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS)
• Sarah Chapman, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, Global Head of Digital and Customer Centricity, Manulife
• Professor Dixon Chibanda, Professor of Psychiatry, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM); Founder, The Friendship Bench
• Donna Kirmani, Chief People Officer, Manulife Hong Kong & Macau
• Professor Liona Poon, Professor (Clinical) & Co-Team Heads of Maternal Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Conference Days 1 and 2 are designed for professionals and anyone interested in mental health, with sessions highlighting evidence-based research addressing the challenges people face throughout their lives. Day 3 features the Mental Well-being Festival, which will offer engaging workshops and various inspiring guest speakers targeted towards the general public, including Rosa Maria Velasco, 6@Rubber Band, Serrini Leung and Crystal Cheung.

With programmes and content catering to both professionals and the general public, the conference aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge and strategies to support themselves and others throughout life’s journey.

Conference Details

• Dates: 6–8 November 2025
• Location: Hotel ICON & ReST Hub, Poly U
• Language:
  
  • 6-7 Nov: English
  • 8 Nov: English and Cantonese (Cantonese/English simultaneous interpretation will be available for sessions in the ballroom)
• Website: www.hkmentalhealthconference.com
• Registration: https://bit.ly/4p0ei3z