Survey Reveals Record Levels of Depression and Anxiety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has long been characterised by a fast-paced, highly competitive, and socially demanding environment, conditions that may place considerable strain on the population’s mental health. In response to growing concern about emotional well-being in the city, the Department of Social Work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, conducted the seventh Hong Kong Depression Index Survey in 2025. Drawing on data collected through street booths and an online questionnaire, the survey received 2,695 valid responses. The results indicated that both the depression and anxiety indices had reached their highest recorded levels, with the greatest mental health burden observed among Generation Z respondents aged 18 to 24.

Increasing Burden of Psychological Distress

The 2025 survey found that Hong Kong’s mean depression score had risen to 7.27, the highest ever level recorded since the survey began in 2012. The mean anxiety score also increased to 5.90, indicating a concurrent rise in psychological distress across the population. The survey further reported a 22% increase in the proportion of respondents experiencing moderate to severe depression, while severe anxiety cases had risen by approximately 40%. Taken together, these results point to a marked worsening of mental health conditions in Hong Kong and suggest that these challenges are impacting an increasingly broad segment of the population.1

Generation Z Reported the Highest Mental Health Burden

Among all age groups included in the survey, Generation Z respondents aged 18 to 24 reported the most concerning mental health outcomes. The data showed that 43.5% of individuals in this age group experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms, representing the highest level of psychological distress across all surveyed cohorts. These findings highlight the particular vulnerability of young adults and underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. As they navigate academic demands, uncertainty in the early stages of their careers, financial pressures, evolving social expectations, and the pervasive influence of digital culture, many young people face a complex set of challenges that may place them at heightened risk of mental health difficulties.1

Screen Time Linked to Emotional Distress

The survey also identified a close association between excessive use of electronic devices and emotional distress. While digital platforms have become an integral part of daily life, prolonged screen exposure may contribute to social comparison, sleep disruption, information overload, and reduced face-to-face interaction. For young people in particular, constant use of social media, short-form videos, online messaging, and AI tools may intensify feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and inadequacy if not balanced by real-world support and healthy routines.1

More Than Half Did Not Seek Professional Support

Another important result was that over half of respondents did not seek professional support when experiencing emotional distress. This suggests that, despite growing public awareness of mental health, significant barriers to seeking help remain. These may include stigma, concerns about confidentiality, uncertainty about where to seek help, long waiting times, financial concerns, or the belief that symptoms should be managed alone. This emphasises the need to make mental health support more accessible, acceptable, and responsive to people’s actual needs.1

Growing Reliance on AI for Emotional Support

The survey also noted an emerging trend of people turning to AI for emotional support. While AI tools may provide immediate responses and a sense of anonymity, over-reliance on them may delay access to professional assessment and treatment. This raises important questions about how digital mental health tools can be used safely and appropriately, particularly by younger users.1

A Call to Turn Data Into Action

The 2025 Hong Kong Depression Index Survey highlights an urgent need for earlier, more accessible, and better-coordinated mental health support. Record-high depression and anxiety scores, particularly among young adults, reflect an emotional burden that extends beyond individuals to families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Turning the findings into action requires stronger preventive education, greater emotional literacy, enhanced peer and family support, accessible counselling and community-based services, and psychologically safe environments in schools and workplaces. By reducing stigma, improving awareness of available services, and ensuring that people can seek timely support without judgement, Hong Kong can build a more compassionate and responsive mental health support system.

References:

1. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. CUHK reveals Hong Kong’s depression and anxiety indices reach record highs; AI assistance rises to sixth place, while over-reliance may delay professional treatment [Press release]. Accessed 27 July 2026. https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/cuhk-reveals-hong-kongs-depression-and-anxiety-indices-reach-record-highs-ai-assistance-rises-to-sixth-place-over-reliance-may-delay-professional-treatment/