In the opening of our latest episode, “How Are You Really Doing?”, we shine a light on a pressing issue that has gained increasing attention: mental health and depression. Over the past few decades, depression has become one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. According to the 2023 Hong Kong Depression Index Survey, depression rates in Hong Kong have reached new highs, particularly among men and the youth.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

As urban dwellers, it is crucial to recognize the importance of mental health. The question we must ask ourselves is, “How am I really doing?”

To engage viewers, we conducted interviews with GUM employees, asking them:

• How are you feeling?
• When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?

These interviews highlighted the disparity between external appearances and internal emotions. Can a person’s ability to smile truly equate to their happiness?

Expert Insights from Dr. Ng

In the subsequent discussion, our host engages with Specialist in Psychiatry, Dr. NG Lee Ying, addressing the complexities of mental health and the common stereotypes surrounding depression. Dr. Ng emphasizes that the perception of depression often focuses solely on visible signs of sadness, neglecting individuals who may be suffering from “smiling depression”—those who appear happy on the outside but are struggling internally.

Dr. Ng further explains:

• What is depression? It is a brain disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including prolonged low mood, loss of interest or motivation, memory issues, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts.
• Causes of Depression: Depression arises from a combination of genetic predisposition and external stressors. Individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk, especially when faced with significant life stressors.

The Impact of Modern Life

Our discussion also delves into how modern life, particularly in bustling cities like Hong Kong, contributes to rising depression rates. Factors such as work patterns, social media influence, economic stress, and lack of personal downtime can all play a significant role in mental health deterioration.

Conclusion: Promoting Awareness and Support

As we wrap up this episode, our host reflects on the notion that depression is not simply a fleeting feeling of sadness, and wearing a smile does not necessarily indicate happiness. We encourage viewers to pay attention to their own mental health as well as the well-being of those around them.

What’s Next?

In our next episode, we will invite Dr. Ng back to discuss the importance of self evaluation and how we can get help for managing depression. Stay tuned for valuable insights that can help you or someone you know on their journey to better mental health!

Want to learn more about the latest trends in employee benefits and how to overcome these challenges?

At GUM, we understand that employee health is closely linked to workplace productivity. In today’s job market, a comprehensive corporate employee benefits plan is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Such plans boost employee morale, productivity, and loyalty while reducing absenteeism and turnover. They also strengthen your employer brand by providing financial security and creating a supportive work environment. However, the rising claims rates and increasing demands from vendors make it challenging to offer competitive benefits while keeping premiums manageable. Balancing these factors is essential for creating a benefits plan that is both attractive and cost-effective.

As your employee benefits consultant, GUM ensures sustainable benefits plans by analyzing claims and utilization patterns. We offer flexible benefits solutions that allow employees to choose the benefits that best suit their needs. We focus on designing corporate insurance plans that align with your company’s strategy and goals.

Expert of the Day：

Dr. NG Lee Ying

Specialist in Psychiatry

Clinical Assistant Professor (honorary) 
Faculty of Medicine, CUHK

• MBBS(HK)
• MRCPsych
• FHKCPsych
• FHKAM(Psychiatry)