How do therapists protect their own mental health? 3 Hong Kong experts share tips
Hong Kong therapists share how planning things that ‘spark joy’, physical exercise and undergoing their own therapy helps them do their jobs
More Hongkongers are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, recent studies suggest.
Up to one-third have moderate to severe symptoms, according to a recent joint study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. This is driving demand for support through local counselling services.
She has always loved working with children. She began by supporting children with special needs as a Saturday job while in high school. The experience taught her that, to support children, you must also take care of their parents. Now a mother herself, she has learned that no parent can support their child’s mental and emotional health if their own is poor, or they do not understand their child’s struggles.
Like all psychologists, Carder witnesses a lot of distress. “The pressure got to me [at first],” she remembers. “People sharing stuff they don’t share with others, that can be scary – but that’s where training is so important.”