The flipside of enjoying this great city is that it can also be a stressful place to live. Clinical psychologist DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI of MindnLife explains how to look after your family’s wellbeing
“When those of us lacking a good support network encounter challenges, managing low moods can suddenly become much harder,” says Dr Zaidi. “This is a common issue among expats of all ages, who may feel isolated from friends and family back home.”
Mental health concerns are more common than you might think; around 25 percent of us experience issues at some point, according to Dr Zaidi. “Selfharm, eating disorders, substance abuse and depressive episodes can all occur in children and teens, which is obviously concerning to parents. Unfortunately, there is still stigma attached to mental illness, and it’s often incorrectly perceived as weakness.”
8 Steps to enhance family wellbeing
- Prioritise physical and emotional balance
- Develop a support network
- Model positive behaviour
- Approach new experiences with an open mind
- Allow children to express their feelings – both positive and negative
- Encourage open communication
- Live in the present
- Seek professional help when required
The MindnLife team looks after the needs of expat families – from young kids and teens, to couples, stressed-out executives and those facing challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic – by working inclusively and collaboratively. “Our multimodal approach involves working with other professionals where there is a need, to help support the family as required. We do educational assessments for learning difficulties too, working in direct collaboration with schools and parents, unlike so many practices in Hong Kong,” says Dr Zaidi.
New & Notable
In meeting all the psychological needs of your family, MindnLife now offers Marathon Couples Therapy, which involves intensive marital therapy over several days – a first for Hong Kong.
Suite 1202, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Road, Central
2521 4668 | mindnlife.com
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2020 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
