Nearly 46% of adults in Hong Kong show symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both, according to a new survey by Mind HK and Manulife Hong Kong. The study, based on 1,000 respondents aged 18 and above, found that more than 16% fall within the moderate to severe clinical range.
Young adults aged 18 to 29 reported the highest levels of distress. Among them, 43% showed signs of depression and 32% experienced anxiety. Around 20% were assessed as having moderate to severe depression.
Despite the high numbers, only 3% of all respondents identified professional therapy or counselling as their main source of support. The findings suggest ongoing barriers to seeking help, including stigma, limited access, and financial concerns. The survey also explored the life events most harmful to mental health.
The most commonly reported triggers were:
- Major financial difficulties (40%);
- Relationship breakups (35%);
- Job loss or redundancy (33%)
- The death of a close friend (32%);
- and long-term unemployment (27%).
While 72% of respondents said emotional support is important during life transitions, most felt they did not receive adequate help. Among those who experienced pregnancy loss in the past year, 25% reported feeling completely unsupported. The study highlights how mental health struggles often stem from everyday life events.
Earlier this year, Hong Kong was ranked the third most expensive city in Asia in Numbeo’s cost-of-living index. The February 2025 report placed the city behind only Singapore and Tokyo, with everyday expenses like food, dining out, and transport pushing it above major Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. Housing was not included in the ranking.
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