By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-12-18 11:07:21 | Updated at 2024-12-18 14:20:42
3 hours ago
Over half of Hongkongers experience depressive symptoms, the highest level in seven years, with dissatisfaction over government policies and the economic downturn being the greatest cause of residents’ unhappiness, a poll has found.
According to a survey of 1,093 adults by HK. WeCare, a platform established under non-profit Wofoo Social Enterprises, over 20 per cent of residents experienced “moderate” depressive symptoms while over 35 per cent experienced “moderately severe to severe” effects.
In addition, more than 10 per cent of respondents reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless “almost everyday”.
The city’s happiness index dropped to 5.63 out of 10 – the lowest level in seven years – with those aged 35 to 44 scoring the lowest among all age groups.
“Depression is a contagious disease,” lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen of the centrist political party Third Side, said.
“I feel that this mood in Hong Kong is now having a very serious radiating effect.”
