Disrupted daily routines can increase the odds of anxiety and depression, an EdUHK study has found.
Dr Hou Wai Kai, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, and researchers from the University of Hong Kong conducted a series of studies on how COVID-19 adversely affects people’s mental health.
After surveying over 6,000 people in Hong Kong over the past two years, Dr Hou and the researchers revealed that 14.9% of people had developed anxiety, and over 15% of people had developed symptoms of depression.
“We also found that groups under financial pressure, lower education level, single parents, or lonely elderly people were more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Individuals with low savings or no home ownership were also at greater risks of developing poorer mental health during the pandemic,” Dr Hou added.
To try to combat mental health problems in Hong Kong, the research teams have made a list of tips for children, younger adults, and older adults to maintain good mental health and enhance overall well-being during the pandemic:
