MENTAL HEALTH DURING LIFE CHANGES
Life changes, whether planned or unplanned, can significantly impact our mental health. In this resource, we’ll explore the effects of two major life changes on mental well-being and provide practical strategies and resources for navigating these transitions.
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Transitioning from high school to university is considered an ‘acute stressor’ because it immensely strains students’ well-being. During the first year of university, your identity and sense of belonging can be challenged, creating significant psychological distress and reducing well-being.
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However, research shows that individuals with strong social support experience lower stress levels, which positively impact their mental well-being. To build a support network, consider joining university clubs or societies to connect with fellow students. Regularly communicating with family and friends at home through scheduled weekly calls or video chats can help maintain those important connections.
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Transitioning from university to employment can bring uncertainty. In 2023, Hong Kong University’s Research and Impact Initiative on Communications in Healthcare found that 21% of respondents experienced severe to extremely severe depression, while 29% reported severe to extremely severe anxiety symptoms.
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Students who remain unemployed are more likely to have depressive symptoms and lower well-being, with long-term unemployment coinciding with a doubled risk of developing mental illness. To combat this, individuals can engage with resilience-strengthening exercises and practice stress management techniques previously covered in our videos linked in the description.
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Additionally, support services are available in Hong Kong. The Youth Employment and Training Programme provides diversified pre-employment and on-the-job training for individuals aged 15-24. This programme allows trainees to gain hands-on experience in various courses while developing relevant skills.
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The Jabez Counselling Services Centre also provides free counselling to financially disadvantaged individuals and students in Hong Kong. Talking to a professional may alleviate the burden if you are struggling. For more information, visit the resource displayed.
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Recognising significant life changes can help you better understand your feelings and realise that others share similar experiences. The resources mentioned can help you find the support you need during these times.
References:
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Conley, C. S., Shapiro, J. B., Huguenel, B. M., & Kirsch, A. C. (2020). Navigating the College Years. Emerging Adulthood, 8(2), 216769681879160. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818791603
Kim, S.-S., Muntaner, C., Kim, H., Jeon, C. Y., & Perry, M. J. (2013). Gain of employment and depressive symptoms among previously unemployed workers: A longitudinal cohort study in South Korea. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 56(10), 1245–1250. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22201
McLean, L., Gaul, D., & Penco, R. (2023). Perceived social support and stress: A study of 1st year students in Ireland. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(21). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00710-z
Milner, A., Page, A., & LaMontagne, A. D. (2013). Long-Term Unemployment and Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e51333. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051333
Oliffe, J. L., & Han, C. S. E. (2013). Beyond Workers’ Compensation. American Journal of Men’s Health, 8(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988313490786
Scanlon, L., Rowling, L., & Weber, Z. (2007). “You don’t have like an identity … you are just lost in a crowd”: Forming a Student Identity in the First-year Transition to University. Journal of Youth Studies, 10(2), 223–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676260600983684
Zayts-Spence, O., Edmonds, D.M., Fortune, Z., Chan, C., Fung, J., Hafner, C., Ho, J., Lee, C., Luk, P., Thiang, O., Wong, P. W. C., Chan, A., & Chou, S.G. (2023). Pandemic Transitions: Graduating from University into the Workforce in Hong Kong during COVID-19. In Hong Kong Student Services Association. HKU Research and Impact Initiative on Communication in Healthcare. https://www.hkssa.org.hk/_files/ugd/905996_55402e4ffa704d698d5d1a849be91a63.pdf