In a recent tragic incident, a young woman was arrested following a mariticide and an attempted suicide, wherein her husband died from injuries likely inflicted during her severe postpartum depression episode. This case highlights the critical need for serious attention to mental health issues. Hong Kong faces a significant challenge with mental illness, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 7 residents will experience a common mental disorder in their lifetime.
Alarmingly, over 70 percent of those affected do not seek professional help, according to local statistics. This limited utilization of mental health services can be attributed to various barriers, including societal stigma, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness and education, limited accessibility and affordability of services, and the influence of work and academic culture. These challenges present significant obstacles to the effective delivery and utilization of mental health services. The increasing incidence of suicide attempts or completions, particularly among teenagers and young adults, highlights the urgency of addressing these pressing concerns.
To address these challenges, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) initiatives have been implemented by nongovernmental organizations, the Hospital Authority, and universities in Hong Kong in recent years. Originating in Australia in 2000, MHFA aims to enhance mental health literacy by promoting knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. This includes recognizing mental health disorders, understanding their causes, symptoms, and appropriate treatments, and raising awareness within individuals, communities, and society as a whole. MHFA training covers a wide range of mental health disorders, crisis management techniques, immediate assistance provisions, and referral procedures to professional services. The primary objective is to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide initial support during mental health crises. It is hypothesized that by improving knowledge and awareness through MHFA training, individuals will be more inclined to offer support and encourage help-seeking behavior, thereby contributing to improved mental health outcomes.
However, a comprehensive analysis conducted in the 2023 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews examined the effectiveness of MHFA training by analyzing 21 studies involving 22,604 participants concluded that MHFA training may have limited or no significant impact on the mental health of individuals within the six-to-12-month time frame. Cochrane Reviews are renowned for their rigorous and comprehensive systematic reviews that adhere to strict standards aimed at providing unbiased and reliable information for healthcare decision-making. They are considered the gold standard in evidence synthesis and are published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, serving as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers.
One potential proposal is to increase resources for establishing community mental health nurses in the District Health Centers. These specialized healthcare professionals would work in the community to provide mental health care and support for individuals of all ages
In light of the importance of healthcare resources, it is crucial to allocate investments to initiatives that not only demonstrate efficacy but also provide comprehensive solutions to significant mental health concerns. Considering the research indicating the limited effectiveness of MHFA training, it becomes imperative to explore alternative strategies and assess their potential for success. Recognizing healthcare resources as valuable assets emphasizes the need for careful allocation of funds. It is essential to direct financial resources toward initiatives that can tangibly demonstrate their effectiveness in addressing mental health issues. By prioritizing investments in programs that have proven efficacy, governments can ensure that resources are utilized optimally, resulting in tangible and positive outcomes in the field of mental health.
Given these findings, it is essential to explore alternative strategies that can potentially provide more robust and comprehensive solutions to mental health challenges. One potential proposal is to increase resources for establishing community mental health nurses in the District Health Centers. These specialized healthcare professionals would work in the community to provide mental health care and support for individuals of all ages. Community mental health nurses play a vital role in promoting mental health, preventing mental illness, assessing and diagnosing, planning and implementing treatment, providing crisis intervention, educating and promoting health, collaborating and referring, and offering follow-up and support. By establishing a strong network of community mental health nurses, the healthcare system can enhance accessibility, facilitate early intervention, and provide ongoing care. Implementing community mental health nurses would address mental health challenges by reducing barriers to care, facilitating early intervention, and providing ongoing support. Their collaboration and referral role will establish an integrated mental health care system, ensuring individuals receive holistic care and support. Investing in this initiative optimizes healthcare resources and has the potential to improve mental health outcomes through prevention, assessment, treatment, and ongoing support.
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States, have successfully implemented the system of community mental health nurses. The introduction of community mental health nurses, as evidenced by various literature reviews, has shown promising effectiveness in several key areas. These nurses enhance access to mental health care, facilitate early intervention and prevention, provide holistic and person-centered care, ensure continuity of support, and integrate with the community.
In conclusion, the prevalence of mental illness in Hong Kong necessitates immediate action. The limited utilization of mental health services and the ineffectiveness of MHFA training underscore the need to explore alternative strategies. By increasing resources for community mental health nurses, Hong Kong can improve accessibility, facilitate early intervention, and provide ongoing care, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes. Drawing from the success of community mental health nurses in other places, this approach holds promise for addressing mental health challenges, reducing barriers to care, and fostering a healthier society in Hong Kong.
The author is a solicitor, a Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
