In our latest episode, we focus on a crucial aspect of mental health: depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, which helps individuals assess their mental and emotional well-being. In this episode, we invited several GUM employees to participate in the assessment to understand how they have been feeling over the past two weeks.

The Importance of Mental Health Assessments

The WHO-5 assessment is designed to provide insights into one’s emotional state. As we reveal the scores from the assessments, it raises an important question: What should you do if your scores are low or if you have been feeling down frequently?

To find out, we turn to Specialist in Psychiatry, Dr. NG Lee Ying for professional advice.

Seeking Help and Support

In our discussion, our host asks Dr. Ng about the many mental health assessments available today, including the WHO-5. Dr. Ng explains that if someone discovers low scores or feels persistently depressed, there are several steps they can take:

• Seek Help from Professionals: Dr. Ng outlines the process for seeking professional help, including what to look for when consulting with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Supporting and Understanding: The host also addresses the challenges of supporting family members who may be experiencing emotional distress but are reluctant to seek help. Dr. Ng provides insights into how to approach these situations sensitively.

Patient Reactions and Acceptance

A significant part of our conversation focuses on how patients typically react when they learn they have been diagnosed with depression. Dr. Ng shares his clinical experiences and offers examples of how to help patients accept their condition and the importance of beginning treatment promptly.

• Early Intervention: Dr. Ng emphasizes that the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcomes. Early intervention can significantly improve recovery prospects.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step

As we conclude this episode, Dr. Ng highlights the transformative power of effective depression treatment, affirming that taking the first step towards happiness involves seeking help promptly.

What’s Next?

In our next episode, we will invite Dr. Ng back to discuss support and preventive methods for depression. Stay tuned for valuable insights that can assist you and those around you in navigating mental health challenges!

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)