The pace of life in Hong Kong is very fast. As a consequence, many people are victims of stress which, if not properly dealt with, can manifest itself as physical illnesses or psychological disorders. Knowing how to relieve one’s stress is thus very important.

CityU as a community places great importance on mental health awareness and organises the Mental Health Week once a year to educate students and staff on these issues. This year, the week-long event featured an exhibition, a sand painting workshop, a drama performance and other activities in February. The programme was run by the Mental Health Ambassador, a group of dedicated and concerned students.

The endearing attitude of a concerned community is best illustrated by the words of co-chairperson of the organising committee Amy Han Yixun (Psychology, Year 3), “Mental Health Week aims to increase our community’s understanding of mental illnesses such as symptoms and treatments. To help prevent and properly treat the illnesses, we hope that more people will know the importance of acceptance and support for patients.”

To this, Ms. Terri Cheung, Counsellor of Student Development Services added, “It’s great to see the enhancement of mental health awareness at CityU! It’s beneficial for students to look out for each other when facing adversity. More importantly, one should seek help on emotional problems when the needs arise.”

So, let us devote more time caring for our families, friends, fellow students and don’t forget to keep mentally fit!

Mental Health Week promotes a loving, caring culture at CityU.

The sand painting workshop, titled “Sand Paintings of Life,” is hosted by Mr. Ma Wing-cheung, a renowned sand painter who taught participants how to enhance concentration and release pressure by expressing their feelings.

A drama called "Relife, We Live: I Matter to You" is delivered by Persons-In-Recovery from the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention (SRACP). The play tells a story of a teenager suffering from psychosis and also presents common emotional problems and suggests ways to deal with adversity.