• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • Homeย loans for Aussie expatsย 
        • image of domestic worker for story on advice on hiring a helper in Hong KongGuide to hiring a helper in Hong Kong
        • Expat life in Hong Kong - advantages and disadvantagesPros and cons of living in HK
        • Moving to Hong Kong - taking a photo of the viewTop tips for newcomers to Hong Kong
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • 9 family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong
        • What to watch โ€“ or listen to…
        • Great podcasts we are listening to!
        • Key Chinese events and festivals in Hong Kong - Chinese New YearTraditional Festivals & Events in HK
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • Language courses for all the family
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Does your child need a little extra help?
        • 12 tips for bathing newborn babies
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Dรฉcor
      • Readers Homes
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
        • Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats
        • Taking the stress out of moving
        • Making Your Bedroom Eco-friendly
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Top skiing destinations - Whistler, CanadaStunning ski stays in Europe and beyond
        • Mongolia - kidsA family adventure in Mongolia
        • Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - MerdekaQuick getaways: Where to go in Thailand
        • Best places to go shopping in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Meat-free meals: Quinoa Lentil Tabouleh5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Chocolate Tiffin - RecipeNo-bake Chocolate Tiffin Recipe
        • Fiamma Italian restaurant - tortelliniTaste Test: Peak Italian Cuisine at Fiamma
        • Cocktails - recipesCocktail recipes โ€“ make your own!
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • Paraben-free skincare for men!
        • Where to go for holiday pampering
        • Where to get eyelash extensions in Hong Kong - Eyelash ProWhere to get eyelash extensions
        • image of woman having eyebrows done for beauty services in Hong KongUltimate guide to HK beauty services
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Home workout5 workout moves you can do at home
        • Central & Stanley Wellness - functional medicine treatmentFunctional medicine and how it helps
        • KAMA CBD OilWhat is CBD and can it help your health?
        • ATP - weight loss - fitness trainingBody makeover: an inspiring journey
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • December โ€“ February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 โ€“ $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
        • City Guide 2020-2021
        • City Guide 2020-2021 – $28
      • View all
    Close
Home ยป Kids ยป Health & Wellness ยป Is anxiety a teen epidemic in Hong Kong?

Is anxiety a teen epidemic in Hong Kong?

3 May, 2019 by Expat Living 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/anxiety-in-teenagers/

Is your teenager constantly stressed with school or their circle of friends? The teen years are a period of our lives characterised by higher academic and social expectations. Teenagers have more autonomy and less structure both at school and at home, and less teacher oversight when it comes to completing assignments and keeping up with coursework. They also face increased expectations socially and academically during this time โ€“ and in Hong Kong this pressure can be highly intensified, and can lead to increased anxiety.

So how can we help our teens who may be suffering from stress? We chat to DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI of MindNLife about how to tackle the issue of teen anxiety.

Sad teen

Anxiety Disorders

Feeling generally anxious from time to time is normal. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, and sometimes it can be helpful for dealing with tense or overwhelming situations. Most people worry about something, after all โ€“ finishing an assignment or doing an exam, for example โ€“ but once the difficult situation is over, the body feels better and the mind calms down. Itโ€™s when these feelings of anxiety interfere with normal daily living that the issue needs to be addressed.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness globally, affecting around 40 million adults in the United States alone. And about 18 percent of the population. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 25 percent of 13- to 18-year-olds have an anxiety disorder. And just under six percent have a severe anxiety disorder. Research shows that untreated teens are at a higher risk of performing poorly in school, missing out on important social experiences, and engaging in substance abuse. Unfortunately, anxiety disorders also often co-occur with other disorders such as depression, eating disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

I see many patients (adults, teens and children as young as five) who suffer from anxiety. Itโ€™s the constant feeling that something bad is going to happen. Anxious teens strive for perfection, and worry excessively about many things; peer relationships, not being good enough or smart enough, and not being able to get into the university of their choice are very common themes. They seek constant approval and reassurance from others and this can negatively impact their friendships and family relationships.

Some of the symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety start out the same as just feeling generally anxious but get worse or last longer than they should. They include:

  • Feeling frightened, nervous or panicky all the time
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Low appetite
  • Lack of concentration
  • Feeling tired and irritable
  • Palpitations โ€“ when your heart feels like itโ€™s racing
  • Dry mouth
  • Trembling
  • Feeling faint
  • Stomach cramps and/or diarrhoea

How to cope

Understanding the cause

Understanding the science behind the bodyโ€™s response to anxiety is often helpful, and recognising that once the anxiety pathway (the amygdala) has been activated, the rational brain (prefrontal cortex) usually goes โ€œofflineโ€. Teens can learn to recognise their own stress signals and triggers; they can then use strategies such as deep breathing, meditating or listening to calming music to help. Itโ€™s important for them to remember, too, that avoiding the issue of anxiety will not make the anxiety go away. So, even though it seems hard to face situations that are difficult, facing the fear amounts to taking charge of the anxiety rather than letting it control their life.

teen reading book

Every time a teenager is able to face a fearful situation and realise it wasnโ€™t as bad as they anticipated (this is true most of the time) it actually develops a new neural pathway in the brain. This pathway is underpinned by the positive understanding that the world is essentially a good and safe place, not one where disaster lurks around every corner.

Coping strategies

What else can help you cope with anxiety as a teenage? Paying attention to healthy eating and ensuring your body is well rested by getting at least nine hours of sleep per night are both very important. Progressive muscle relaxation and regular exercise are also helpful in combatting the build-up of stress-related molecules in the body. And you shouldnโ€™t forget to give your minds a break from the constant demands of technology. So, put those devices away for a set number of hours per day. Engage with real life and real people, go out for a walk, or read a book.

If anxiety does take over, even after utilising these various coping strategies, remember to take charge of your thinking and remind yourself:

  • This is just anxiety.
  • It canโ€™t harm me.
  • It will pass.
  • I can cope with this.

When to seek professional help

Lastly, if the anxiety is persistent for over a month, it may be time to seek professional help, to learn strategies to manage it better so it doesnโ€™t interfere with your daily living and activities. More than 40 randomised trials support the efficacy of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Anxiety disorders are both common and highly treatable. The earlier an anxiety disorder is assessed, diagnosed and addressed, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

Dr Zaidi is a British-registered clinical psychologist who works in private practice in Central, and as a mental health consultant for a number of international schools. 6347 9955 | mindnlife.com


See more in our
Teens section:

Social media and your child’s mental health
Boys want to look good, too!
Expats guide to international schools in Hong Kong

This article first appeared in the April/May 2019 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.

Categories: Health & Wellness Kids Tags: Anxiety disorders Anxiety in teens Clinical psychologists in Hong Kong Dr Quratulain Zaidi MindNLife Symptoms of anxiety Teenage stress

You May Also Like

Where to get stylish kid-friendly mats

Does your child need a little extra help?

12 tips for bathing newborn babies

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Kellett School

Best International Schools In Hong Kong, Preschool to Secondary

Furniture in Hong Kong: Guide To The Best Furniture Stores

sightseeing in Hong Kong

Top 30 Hong Kong Attractions & Best Places To Visit

Where to live in Hong Kong

Guide to Living in Hong Kong and where to live

Landing pads: places to stay in Hong Kong

Brunch in Hong Kong

Best Sunday Brunch Places in Hong Kong

What's On

Puccini's Turandot Opera

The MET’S “Nightly Met Opera Streams”

Students at Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy โ€“ Applications Open for 2021/22

CDNIS - Admissions

CDNIS Admissions Timetable: Apply Now for January and August 2021

Events & Weekend Activities - The Grounds is the city's first responsible entertainment destination

The Grounds: HK’s first ‘COVID-19 responsible’ entertainment destination

Elsa in scene from Frozen

FWD Presents: The Frozen Exhibition Hong Kong

You Rise art exhibition by JM Robert

โ€œYou Riseโ€ Solo Exhibition by JM Robert

Expat Living Hong Kong ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ฐ

expatlivinghk

Open
Pieces for your dining room mood board!๐Ÿช‘We are feeling these tones ๐ŸคŽ
Open
Thanks Julianna for this delicious 
Easy Blueberry Oreo Cheesecake to start the weekend!
Serves 4, or 2 if you're hungry๐Ÿ˜‰

Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients:
โ€ข 6 digestive biscuits
โ€ข 50g butter 
โ€ข 250g cream cheese (1 brick) 
โ€ข 6 Oreo biscuits
โ€ข 125g blueberries (1 box)
โ€ข 100g milk or whipped cream 
โ€ข 5 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
For crust:
1. Crush digestive biscuits in a big bowl and add melted butter.
2. Press together at the base of the cake mould.
3. Set aside to cool.

For filling: 
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk or whipped cream on medium speed in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add crushed Oreos and beat until they mix evenly. 
3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
4. Freeze for two hours and top with blueberries!๐Ÿซ
Open
If youโ€™re looking for a place to live in Hong Kong - particularly if youโ€™re moving here and want an easy landing pad - a serviced apartment can be a godsend! @hongkongparkview is like a mini town with everything you need from a Clubhouse with full facilities to a toy shop, clothes and food shop! ๐Ÿž๐Ÿ›
Open
Read our Winter issue on any device for free ๐Ÿ‘‰ expatliving.hk/digital/ig.
Inside: Two inspiring home reno stories, great dining room furniture ideas, insider's guide to Hung Hom Bay and plenty of other great reads, including easy dessert recipes!
Open
How cool is this - Hong Kong-based @ovolohotels is the first hotel group to go entirely vegetarian across its restaurants, bars and food services for a year! ๐ŸŒฑThis move is the latest in the groupโ€™s series of eco-friendly initiatives, and doesnโ€™t this look delicious!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป
Open
If weโ€™ve learnt anything this last year itโ€™s how much a magical view can do for your mind๐ŸŒฟThese are just some of the properties showcased by @knightfrank ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ Head to knightfrank.com.hk to see whatโ€™s currently available! ๐Ÿž
Open
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from the team at @expatlivinghk โค๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ท @lailasophiashah
Open
Thereโ€™s been a buzz lately around CBD (Cannabidiol, derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant) and its purported health benefits. 
Did you know itโ€™s available in Hong Kong? ๐ŸŒฟ

@kamacbdhk is a new HK-based company offering CBD products that can help a number of ailments, check out our article and their page for more information!๐ŸŒบ
Open
๐ŸŽ„ Merry Christmas everyone! It's been an extraordinary year and we're so grateful for your support. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿฅ‚
Open
This 1950s colonial-style walk up in Kowloon Tong has been styled so well by tenant Jerome, it is fascinating to hear about the place and itโ€™s history! For the full story and Jeromeโ€™s recommendations see our DEC-FEB issueโœจ๐Ÿ“–
Open
Whether youโ€™ve hiked up Old Peak Road or taken the tram, make sure youโ€™re hungry, as youโ€™ll want to consume most of the menu from @fiammahk ๐Ÿด๐Ÿ…
Open
5 steps for a stylish Christmas, courtesy of Hong Kong-based home furnishing retailer @indigo_living ๐ŸŽ„
 
#1 Decide on a Theme:
Every momentous Christmas feast begins with a stunning table-scape. Whether youโ€™re going for the classic red and green pairing or a contemporary setting, pick a theme that you can go all out with! 
 
#2 Organise Your Linen:
Generally speaking, a crisp white linen table-runner will do. But if youโ€™re looking to up the ante this year, go for one with subtle prints on it. 
 
#3 Choose a Centrepiece:
 A beautiful Christmas centrepiece is the fastest way to add cheer to your party. Itโ€™s also a great excuse to show off your creative flair to friends and family. 
 
#4 Invest in a Good Set of Tableware:
When it comes to tableware, most people play it safe with crystal glasses and porcelain plates. Why not take it up a notch by throwing a set of gold cutlery into the mix? Itโ€™s an instant pop of luxury that exudes warmth to traditional red and green themes. ๐Ÿด
 
#5 End with a Bang:
Whatโ€™s a Christmas dinner without some good old-fashioned crackers? Sure to put a smile on anyoneโ€™s faces, theyโ€™ll also ensure your party goes out with a bang! ๐Ÿ’ซ
Open
What a view ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ

๐Ÿ“ท @lailasophiashah
Open
Less than five days left to vote for your favourite businesses! You could win fun family staycays and dining vouchers, so make sure to vote today by visiting ๐Ÿ‘‰ expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Jazz up your dining area with these pretty picks!โšก๏ธ

Companies tagged in the photos for more details๐Ÿช‘
Open
Get ready for Christmas, CNY and beyond with these fab treatment packages now available at @amooma.spa โœจ

#1 BUBBLE & SPARKLE
A package for two, including an aroma steam shower, deep sleep tourmaline crystal massage, sparkling champagne facial and a glass of champagne ๐Ÿฅ‚

#2 HO! HO! HO! ITโ€™S ME-TIME!
Designed for one person, this me-time includes a ling organic forbidden rice scrub, ling nourishing body wrap, AMOONA signature blend and knesko gemological face mask ๐Ÿง–๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ
Open
How good do these look ๐Ÿ˜ New recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness. You can try a free sample by scanning the bar code on our online articles ๐Ÿ’œ

Recipe: Flourless Pecan Cranberry Brownie

Ingredients

Brownie base:

2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Chocolate Protein
1.5 cup of pumpkin puree
1 cup of hazelnut butter or almond *
1/2 cup of raw dark cacao powder
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of dehydrated cranberries
2 teaspoons of Manuka honey ** Optional
White chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons of Erythritol
Dark chocolate drizzle:

1/3 cup of melted cacao butter
2 tablespoons of cashew nut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
3 tablespoons of raw dark cacao powder
1 teaspoon of Erythritol
Instructions

Brownie base:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grease a square baking tray with coconut oil and line tray with parchment paper.
In a large blender, mix all the brownie ingredients together until smooth.
Pour the brownie mix into the pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Once cooked, allow the brownies to cool on a rack.
Chocolate drizzle:

You will need two separate mixing bowls for the white and dark chocolate drizzle.
Melt the cacao butter at low temperature and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Pour the chocolate drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Pop them in the fridge to set or enjoy them as warm brownies.**
Optional: Sprinkle some fresh pomegranate and dried cranberry seeds onto the brownies (after cooling in the fridge for 20 minutes).
Open
TGIF ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒฟ

๐Ÿ“ท @lailasophiashah
Open
In our new winter issue we take a look at Dutch expat Nicole Hessingโ€™s impressive home renovation in Clearwater Bay ๐Ÿก Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations ๐Ÿ‘‰ expatliving.hk/digital/ig
Open
Good morning! Weโ€™ve got another delicious recipe from @charissa_and_co_wellness ๐Ÿ’•

Recipe: Persimmon Vanilla Chia Porridge

Serves 2

Ingredients

PERSIMMON-VANILLA-CHAI-PORRIDGE.jpg
Chia Vanilla Milky Layer:

1/2 cup of chia Seeds
1.5 cup of coconut milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 servings of Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Vanilla 
1 tablespoon of tahini paste
2 Medjool dates
2 slices of fresh persimmon
Persimmon Coconut Porridge Layer:

1 whole persimmon chopped
1/2 cup of coconut yoghurt
2 tablespoons of coconut flakes
1 teaspoon of almond butter
Instructions

Chia Vanilla Milky Layer:

Blend all the ingredients together apart from the chia seeds.
Once the mix is well blended, add the chia seeds and mix well. Place in a glass jar and leave overnight in the fridge.
Persimmon Coconut Porridge Layer:

Blend all the ingredients together until creamy and smooth. Place in a glass jar, leave overnight in the fridge.
The next morning you can enjoy your porridge by layering your chia porridge with the persimmon porridge.
Optional: Add in between crunchy texture by sprinkling some raw buckwheat groats already activated or quinoa puffs
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.