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While growing up, you will be busy discovering the people and things around you. Have you ever stopped for a while and tried to understand your emotions? Have you ever felt angry, lonely, or overexcited for unknown reasons? Not sure about whether you are affected by depression? Whether these emotions are positive or negative, excessive emotional swings can have harmful effects on mental health. They may be caused by examination stress, work pressure, traffic congestion, disputes with friends, etc. All of the above can induce mental stress which in turn causes health problems like insomnia, headaches, stomach-aches, depression, anxiety or panic attacks. Living under long-term stress and without proper treatment can lead to self-destructive acts or suicide which causes distress to family and friends. So, do not make hasty decisions when facing difficulties. Be brave and accept other people’s help. Everyone has pressure. The key is to know how to release it. Expanding your social circle, cultivating personal interests or talking to your trusted seniors and friends are effective ways to reduce stress.
If you or someone you know suffers from emotional problems, you can always seek help from professionals like social workers. Besides looking for school social work service, you can also call the Hotline Service for Youth-at-risk or visit any Integrated Children and Youth Services Centre. Social workers are there to give you support and make friends with you. Those who are seriously disturbed or suffering from mental illnesses can seek the assistance of clinical psychologists in the Social Welfare Department, Hospital Authority, or Non-Government Organisations through referrals by social workers or medical doctors.
Emotional problems are curable with the right treatments and positive attitudes. Do not hesitate to ask for help whenever necessary. The pamphlet “New life for ex-mentally ill people” can tell you how we can help those people adjust to life in the community.
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