Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Sunday, February 5
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2023-01-30

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-30

      Digital Art: InnerGlow 2023 Returns To Tai Kwun Until February 12

      2023-01-28

      7 Chinese New Year Events In Hong Kong

      2023-01-05

      New Year’s Eve Parties In Hong Kong To Wave Goodbye To 2022

      2022-12-15
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      Where To Drink Mulled Wine & Buy Hot Wine Spices In Hong Kong

      2022-11-28

      15 Awesome Happy Hour Deals Around Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      15 Great Restaurants & Bars To Visit In Causeway Bay

      2022-09-15

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      10 Lucky Chinese New Year Foods, Snacks & Treats

      2023-01-12

      Guide To Poon Choi & Where To Buy The Lunar New Year Dish In Hong Kong

      2023-01-03

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2022-12-20

      Christmas Afternoon Teas In Hong Kong To Enjoy With A Loved One

      2022-12-05

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurant & Bar Openings In February 2023

      2023-02-01

      10 Valentine’s Day Restaurants, Bars In Hong Kong To Treat Bae

      2023-01-31

      34 Best Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong Over The Weekend

      2022-12-20

      8 Christmas And New Year’s Eve Menus And Buffets To Enjoy This Festive Season

      2022-11-30

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurant & Bar Openings In February 2023

      2023-02-01

      10 Valentine’s Day Restaurants, Bars In Hong Kong To Treat Bae

      2023-01-31

      10 Lucky Chinese New Year Foods, Snacks & Treats

      2023-01-12

      Guide To Poon Choi & Where To Buy The Lunar New Year Dish In Hong Kong

      2023-01-03
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong Fashion Show By Lumiere Runway Hits Haw Par Mansion On 26 Nov (And We Got You 4 VIP Passes)

      2022-11-10

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      16 Local Hong Kong Fashion Brands For Stylish Women, Men & Kids

      2022-02-02

      10 Out-Of-The-Box Valentine’s Day Activities To Gift, Do With A Loved One

      2023-01-31

      K-Pop Boy Band Treasure To Perform In Hong Kong For The First Time On May 20

      2023-01-30

      Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers & Tiësto To Play At Creamfields

      2023-01-27

      Top 7 Escape Rooms In Hong Kong

      2023-01-06

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      Founder Of Africa Center Hong Kong, Innocent Mutanga: “It’s Time We Take Ownership Of The African Story”

      2022-05-23

      Brian Eagen Lau On Transfeminism: “In Hong Kong, I Get Stared At A Lot; In Thailand, I Don’t Experience That”

      2022-04-07

      13 Awesome Skateparks In Hong Kong

      2023-01-11

      10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

      2022-11-14

      10 Camping Spots For All Experience Levels In Hong Kong

      2022-11-01

      11 Public & Private Outdoor Barbecue Pits You Should Visit In Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      10 Best Flower Shops In Hong Kong With Fresh Bouquets For Every Occasion

      2023-01-30

      20+ Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals In 2022 To Shop Online Or In-Person

      2022-11-25

      The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide With 100+ Ideas From Hong Kong Brands

      2022-11-22

      Where To Buy Your Christmas Tree In Hong Kong This Year

      2022-11-22

      10 Out-Of-The-Box Valentine’s Day Activities To Gift, Do With A Loved One

      2023-01-31

      K-Pop Boy Band Treasure To Perform In Hong Kong For The First Time On May 20

      2023-01-30

      10 Best Flower Shops In Hong Kong With Fresh Bouquets For Every Occasion

      2023-01-30

      Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers & Tiësto To Play At Creamfields

      2023-01-27
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. Nature & Science
      4. Society
      5. Sport
      6. View All

      Tourists Don’t Need To Be Vaccinated To Enter Hong Kong From February 6, Says John Lee

      2023-02-03

      Hong Kong To Further Ease Travel Restrictions And To Treat Covid As An Upper Respiratory Disease, Says John Lee

      2023-01-31

      No More 5-Day Isolation Period For Covid Patients From January 30, Says John Lee

      2023-01-19

      Travellers From Hong Kong To Macau Exempt From Covid-19 Testing, Starting January 8

      2023-01-06

      Giveaway Of Free 500,000 Airline Tickets For Visitors To Hong Kong To Begin On March 1

      2023-02-02

      The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

      2023-02-01

      Star Ferry Fare Increase Approved, New Rates Will Apply From April 3

      2023-02-01

      Sham Shui Po Fabric Market To Close on January 31, After 45 Years Of Operation

      2023-01-19

      Tropical Cyclone Nalgae : T8 Issued At 1.40PM.

      2022-11-02

      Total Lunar Eclipse Visible In Hong Kong On November 8

      2022-10-27

      Hexagonal Rock Formations In Sai Kung Declared A Geological Heritage Site

      2022-10-25

      Tropical Cyclone NESAT : T3 To Be Issued Between 10AM And Noon Today

      2022-10-17

      Hong Kong Families’ Monthly Income Drops To $27,100, 13.2% Of Employees Work 60-Plus Hours A Week

      2022-09-01

      More Than 100,000 Residents Left Hong Kong In The Past Year

      2022-08-12

      Prison Gothic: A New Font Inspired By Hong Kong’s Inmate-Made Road Signs

      2022-07-30

      Human Trafficking: Hong Kong Still On Tier 2 Watch List Says Report, HELP NGO Raises The Alarm For Domestic Workers

      2022-07-30

      Eco-Friendly Green Power Hike To Take Place In January 2023

      2022-12-19

      Hong Kong’s First Mountain Bike Practice Ground Opens In Lantau

      2022-12-17

      Hong Kong’s First Short Track Speed Skating Competition To Be Held On December 26

      2022-12-14

      Hong Kong Marathon Runner Quota Increased To 37,000

      2022-12-12

      Tourists Don’t Need To Be Vaccinated To Enter Hong Kong From February 6, Says John Lee

      2023-02-03

      Giveaway Of Free 500,000 Airline Tickets For Visitors To Hong Kong To Begin On March 1

      2023-02-02

      The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

      2023-02-01

      Star Ferry Fare Increase Approved, New Rates Will Apply From April 3

      2023-02-01
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-30

      Where To Meet Santa In Hong Kong In 2022

      2022-11-29

      11 Public & Private Outdoor Barbecue Pits You Should Visit In Hong Kong

      2022-10-31

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Lantau Island

      2022-09-28

      The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

      2023-02-01

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29

      Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong Provides Innovative Modern Education Focused On Technology, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability

      2022-12-02

      ICHK Hong Lok Yuen Kindergarten & Primary Instils Love For Nature, Sense Of Global Citizenship

      2022-11-16

      14 Winter Camps In Hong Kong For A Stimulating Christmas Holiday

      2022-11-14

      29 Awesome Autumn Holiday Camps In Hong Kong For 2022

      2022-09-28

      14 Family-Friendly Restaurants In Hong Kong For A Yummy Time With The Little Ones

      2022-09-26

      11 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-09-12

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Giant Panda An An Passes Away At 35

      2022-07-21

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

      2023-02-01

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-01-30

      SPCA’s Dog-Walking Event, Dogathon, Scheduled For March 26

      2023-01-18

      Hong Kong Schools To Resume Full-Day In-Person Classes, Starting February 1, 2023

      2022-12-29
    • Culture

      Watch The Northern Lights In Hong Kong At West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park

      2023-02-04

      New Lantern Festival Displays At North District Park & Tsuen Wan Park

      2023-02-01

      The Cultural Guide To Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival

      2023-01-26

      A Cultural Guide To Chinese Lantern Festival, The Final Day Of CNY Celebrations

      2023-01-26

      Chinese New Year Displays: Where To See The Best Decorations & Installations In Hong Kong

      2023-01-18
    • Sustainability

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Greenwashing: How To Distinguish Between Real Sustainability Practices & Marketing Tactics?

      2022-07-11

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?

      2022-07-04

      Eco-Fashion Advocate Sheryl Bolden’s Book ‘Sustainably Stylish’ Is A Guide To Building An Ethical Wardrobe

      2022-05-03
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      10 Muay Thai Studios You Should Visit In Hong Kong To Kick The Stress Away

      2022-09-29

      10 Amazing Yoga Studios In Hong Kong To Find Your Balance At

      2022-08-16

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Where To Go Rock Climbing and Bouldering In Hong Kong?

      2021-10-28

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19

      Everything You Need To Know About The Hong Kong Vaccine Pass

      2022-09-23

      Chapter 3: A Story About Living With Gerascophobia (A Fear Of Growing Up)

      2022-08-15

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      Collective Fitness, A Creative And Holistic Self-Awareness Experience

      2023-01-04

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2022-12-05

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels, For A Luxury Stay In The City

      2022-07-28

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      Amber-Code Holders In Tour Groups Can Enter Theme Parks, Museums & Restaurants

      2022-11-07

      Hong Kong Officially Ends Hotel Quarantine, Replaces It With 3-Day Medical Surveillance

      2022-09-23

      Travelling To Hong Kong Checklist: What Are The Rules To Enter The City?

      2022-08-12

      Travellers Who Are Currently In Quarantine Can Be Discharged On Day 3 Starting Today

      2022-08-09

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2022-12-05

      Amber-Code Holders In Tour Groups Can Enter Theme Parks, Museums & Restaurants

      2022-11-07

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Neighbourhoods
      4. Work
      5. View All

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      Your Guide To Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

      2021-09-23

      French May 2021 Imagines A New World Full of Art And Fantasy… and Gastronomy!

      2021-04-30

      10 Best Serviced Apartments in Hong Kong With A Home Away From Home Feel

      2022-12-14

      6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

      2022-12-01

      10 Places To See Autumn Leaves In Hong Kong

      2022-11-14

      42 Best Smartphone Apps In Hong Kong You Must Download

      2022-08-18

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai Hang

      2022-09-22

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      10 Awesome Co-Working Spaces To Try In Hong Kong

      2023-01-30

      Bela Offices, Affordable Luxury Serviced Offices In Central And Sheung Wan

      2022-11-03

      How To Find The Right Office Rental In Hong Kong

      2022-10-11

      Top 15 Serviced Offices To Rent In Hong Kong For A Modern Workspace Experience

      2022-09-15

      10 Awesome Co-Working Spaces To Try In Hong Kong

      2023-01-30

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      10 Best Serviced Apartments in Hong Kong With A Home Away From Home Feel

      2022-12-14
    The HK HUB
    Home»The HK HUB»Chapter 3: A Story About Living With Gerascophobia (A Fear Of Growing Up)
    The HK HUB

    Chapter 3: A Story About Living With Gerascophobia (A Fear Of Growing Up)

    The HK HUB's ContributorsBy The HK HUB's Contributors2022-08-15Updated:2022-08-12No Comments10 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp
    little boy flexing muscles and grinning

    Contribution from Gnomy Evergreen

    Even as a child, I had always felt that I was different, or not ordinary, and had thought that I was weird. In our society, people have always taught their next generation what is right or wrong, good or bad. Some ethical problems may be quite black and white, however, there are some words which may be neutral, although they are negative in the eyes of many people.

    Content of this article hide
    The problem with romanticising strength
    Experiences, free will, and mental health
    Accepting more than one way of living life

    For example, what is the definition of weird? To me, the definition is just something which the majority are not used to seeing, but it does not have to be negative. Most people would be very offended if someone called them weird, abnormal, or unnatural. For me, another example would be that even very common problems like colour blindness, or diabetes, could be considered abnormal too, as most people can see the difference between many tones, and diabetes is a type of illness.

    The majority believe that being strong, fearless, having a fighter spirit, or being positive, means having the “correct” attitude. Society believes that these people are our role models, therefore, even though we have different personalities.

    Many times, illnesses can be described as abnormal too, so having any illness or physical problem or being abnormal in any way does not have to be something horrible, scary, or shameful, and we can admit it if we need to. The word unnatural only means the opposite of natural, therefore, it can be neutral as well. When I was younger, I remember sometimes saying in front of others (mostly older adults), “I am weird, or abnormal” and the adults would remark, “You cannot say that about yourself!” Even though I understand that they had only wanted me to be more confident, I believe today, that to them I could be different but should not describe myself this way as it is negative.

    The problem with romanticising strength

    superman lego toy
    Hero culture romanticises bravery as ideal personality traits (© Esteban Lopez via Unsplash)

    Also, the “hero culture” in many societies, or the culture of romanticising bravery/fearlessness can create many problems for some people. Each person has a different personality, some people are more fearless and can tackle adversity with a “fighter spirit” (spirit of never giving up). They are stronger and more able to handle any problem which they may have. Others are more positive, and there are people who have a “happy go lucky” or cheerful and easy-going attitude. These people are often more popular in society as the majority believe that being strong, fearless, having a fighter spirit, or being positive, means having the “correct” attitude. Society believes that these people are our role models, therefore, even though we have different personalities and are different, we should learn not to be fearful, timid, negative, or allow others to see that we are weak or admit that we are overwhelmed in difficult situations.

    I have learned that we cannot compare ourselves with others and feel inferior or no good just because someone else can do something which we are not able to do. It does not mean that other people should respect us less. One of my examples is that some athletes are able to run 100 metres in 10 seconds or even less while some scientists or mathematicians are able to solve the most complicated formulae. Does it mean that others are no good because they are not able to do the same?

    I still do not see myself as strong, brave, or positive, but believe that I have learned to accept, respect, and love myself.

    So, I believe that when it comes to people‘s personalities, the kind of spirit or attitude which they have, and whether they are able to face different problems, it is the same. Many people love hearing rags to riches stories and are inspired by how some successful people arrived at their high station in life from nothing in the beginning, or how some people selflessly turned around to help others after having walked a very difficult road themselves. I very much respect those people too, but believe that we cannot expect everyone to be a role model or hero as it is not possible. I think that one reason why most people find it so shameful to admit being weak, fearful, negative, or over sensitive, is because society has taught us that this is not something which we can accept. 

    fear of getting older
    The author’s gerascophobia diagnosis was covered up by years of other diagnoses by psychiatrists (© Toa Heftiba via Unsplash)

    Also when I was younger, the people around me would often show me true stories or examples of how people who are much less fortunate, or have much more serious problems/illnesses/disabilities can still become successful by working hard. I understand that they had only wanted to encourage me to do better, but I only felt more frustrated and negative after listening to those stories. I often had the feeling that I could never be like them as I did not have this kind of personality or spirit, therefore I would think, or sometimes answer, that I cannot be like them, or that I am simply not as good as them. When I spoke to adults about my problems, or how I felt, I remember admitting that I am not as strong or brave as others, and then they would tell me, “ I think that you are quite brave, and quite a strong person too.” I know that they said this to encourage me as well. Thinking about this now, I still do not see myself as strong, brave, or positive, but believe that I have learned to accept, respect, and love myself, as I believe that I can still be a good person.

    Experiences, free will, and mental health 

    I had always disagreed with, and disliked the idea of many psychologists/psychiatrists, as well as some doctors, that abnormal thinking and all types of abnormal behaviour must be “corrected”. I agree that people with mental illnesses can often feel extremely frightened, depressed, or frustrated, and therefore need help from professionals. I also believe that the job of a psychologist or psychiatrist is to understand and help the patient to follow their own wishes, or dreams, and to be able to have the life that the patient wants. It should not be to help the patient have a life which the psychologist or others think is “normal” or “complete”. For example, if a patient very much wishes to have good relationships with others or have good friends, but is always worried about being cheated or hurt by the people they know and therefore is frustrated and unhappy, I believe that they need help. However, if a person fears, or is worried about something which they actually do not wish to have, then I do not think that this needs to be “cured”, or “corrected”.

    I was often afraid of admitting the way I was, what I thought, or my wishes… because I worried that they would judge me when they realised what my wishes were – that I did not wish to live like other young people.

    No one should tell another person what types of experiences they should have, as no one can be sure what will make another person the happiest. When it comes to a person‘s own wishes, or how they wish to live, as long as they do not hurt anyone or offend others, we should respect their free will. The truth is that no person can have all the different life experiences. Therefore, if a psychologist tells a patient that they are not thinking “correctly” when the patient actually understands themselves, and knows their own wishes, it seriously harms the patient and does not make sense either.

    I very much agree with these three quotations below by Søren Kierkegaard- a 19th century Danish existentialist philosopher, and Jean Paul Sartre- a 20th century French philosopher.

    “Each individual- not reason, society, or religious orthodoxy- is solely tasked with giving meaning to life, and living it sincerely, and “authentically”. (Søren Kierkegaard)

    “Subjectivity is truth” (Søren Kierkegaard) 

    “Life has no meaning a priori, it is up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing, but the value that you choose”. (Jean Paul Sartre)

    To me, the line “Subjectivity is truth” is sometimes true, as an experience is positive or negative to a person because of their own feelings, opinions and wishes. So, it would be meaningless to live, or have life experiences, just to be able to fit into society. In the end, each person has to understand themselves and their wishes, follow their own free will, and do what is meaningful to them, to be happy.

    Accepting more than one way of living life

    self acceptance self love
    The author began to accept her desires although they were unconventionally “unaspiring” (© microgen via Canva)

    Quite soon after my 25th birthday, I had completed writing and recording an original song which has always been very meaningful to me. Writing this song – Proud To Be Me, I had learned that it is not possible for everyone to appreciate, or be proud of, all our ideas or everything that we do. So, this does not mean that what we are doing is not good enough or that our ideas are no good only because what different people appreciate is not the same. There will always be people who disagree with, or dislike, our opinions but when we have our own reasons or explanations, this is not a reason for us to be afraid to express them. How others see us is their choice, unless we have attacked them.

    When I was younger, I was often afraid of admitting the way I was, what I thought, or my wishes, as I was worried about being judged or criticised, especially by people who were important to me. I was also afraid of mentioning my mental health problems in front of others, not because I thought that having mental health problems was shameful but because I worried that they would judge me when they realised what my wishes were – that I did not wish to live like other young people.

    Speaking honestly, there is much more that I would like to continue to do. I believe that if I had been “corrected”, or did not have any of my mental health problems (that I was 100% “normal”), I would not be the same person, have the same personality, ideas, or opinions which I have today. I would like more people to know that mental health patients do not have to be successfully “cured” to be able to share their stories, even if this is what many people in society would expect. I would also like to share my opinion that we are not just a part of one generation of the human race, each person is themselves. 

    Read Ch. 1: Growing up and bullying
    Read Ch. 2: Struggles with gerascophobia

    Gnomy Evergreen (the author’s pen name) is a person who has lived in Hong Kong since birth. She lives with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Gerascophobia, an extremely rare fear of growing up. Since the age of 10, she has received various treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure and response prevention, which made her feel unseen and othered. Now, she is trying to raise awareness about the emphasis on ‘curing’ rather than ‘helping’ in conventional medical treatment of these conditions.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The HK HUB.

    Header image credits: Ben White via Unsplash

    5/5 - (2 votes)
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit WhatsApp
    The HK HUB's Contributors
    • Website

    If you want to share tips or raise awareness about a certain issue, you can contribute to The HK HUB. Our contribution program aims at publishing non-promotional articles written by anybody. If you have something interesting to share, feel free to submit your articles here.

    Related Posts

    The University Of Hong Kong Tops List Of Most International Universities In The World For 2023

    2023-02-01 Education

    5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

    2023-01-18 Health

    13 Awesome Skateparks In Hong Kong

    2023-01-11 Outdoor

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW banner
    banner coral hub hong kong
    compass offices side banner
    Vipop - Sustainable Fashion Shop
    tutor time international nursery and kindergarten in hong kong

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.