Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
For many of our members, May is a significant time of the year as it marks the month of mental health awareness. The goal is to spread awareness about the wide variety of mental health conditions and its challenges, and to platform the different ways in which we can mitigate these challenges, or to help others in doing so! Hong Kong Football Club has long been an advocate for mental health awareness, and as a close-knit community, we care for the wellbeing of all our members.
Why is MHAM important?
In a high-pressure city such as Hong Kong, many people may hesitate to let their loved ones know whenever they are feeling down, stressed, anxious, or any other sort of negative emotions. The city’s pressures, coupled with misinformation online, could lead to mental health issues not being discussed freely or could lead to stigmas surrounding its challenges.
And in addition to the city’s pressure-cooker environment, individuals may feel increased stress, isolation, and other factors such as lack of movement and exercise could all lead to worsening mental health. Fortunately, here at the Club, a wealth of different activities are constantly happening to combat these fatigues.
What’s happening at HKFC?
HKFC prides itself as an elite sporting club, but at the heart of it, the Club is about its members. Teams across the Club hold social events on a regular occasion and we encourage all our members this month to check-in on your teammates, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Approaching the subject might be tricky for some. Luckily, we’re blessed with facilities and offering one of the below may be the stepping stone to creating a safe environment or valuable relaxation time.
- Every sport hosted here at HKFC has a bright and lively social calendar, and you have ample opportunity to meet new friends or catch-up with teammates
- With over a dozen facilities to choose from, there are many different spots to wind down and relax–whether that’s taking a dip in the pool (May in Hong Kong is the start to the sweaty summer season after all)
- If team sports aren’t your thing, you can work up a sweat at the fitness centre or join one of the multiple classes held in the Club such as dance classes or yoga sessions.
- If you’d rather have a quiet moment, head up to the Lounge and have a cup of tea as you read your favourite book.
The club will be releasing more content throughout the week to raise awareness of mental health. Watch this space.
If you are experiencing negative feelings, please call:
- The Samaritans at 2896 0000 (24-hour, multilingual)
- Social Welfare Department at 2343 2255
- The Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology provides a WhatsApp hotline in English and Chinese: 6218 1084.
