Mental Illness

According to World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Students suffering from mental illness may find a diminishing capacity to cope with normal daily functioning including interpersonal, emotional, academic and physical aspects. The illnesses may cause by various biological, psychological and social factors with different manifestations. Common mental illnesses are listed below. It is important to note the signs and symptoms of different disorders in order to have proper treatment and intervention.

Some common symptoms that deserve special attention from you:

Emotional Symptoms
Feeling sad, depressed or lowish
Loss of interests or enjoyment
Feeling guilty, helpless and/or hopeless
Feeling nervous, irritable or anxious

Cognitive Symptoms:

Difficult to concentrate
Difficult to make decisions
Deteriorated memory
Excessive self-blame
Thinking about death or suicide; attempting suicide

Physical Symptoms:

Feeling tired, having low energy level
Sleep disturbance
Decrease or increase in appetite
Unusual weight loss or weight gain
Decrease in sexual urge

Behavioral Symptoms:

Becoming withdrawn socially; avoiding social interactions
Becoming slow in movements
Losing interest in maintaining personal hygiene or grooming
Decrease in the abilities to function in their academic, occupational, interpersonal or other major life domains

Get to know more

Mental Health Leaflet (click the below to enlarge)

Students who have declared their SEN are reached out through the HKUST email when there are scholarship / bursary opportunities for them.