Upon his arrival in Hong Kong in July 2022, clinical psychologist Michael Beckham, with nearly two decades of experience from the United States, immediately noticed the distinct ways culture influences how individuals approach mental health support. The transition offered Beckham, a US-trained and licensed clinical counselor, a unique perspective on the impact of gender, culture, and generational differences on mental health practices.
In his practice, Beckham observed, “In the US, there seems to be a lot of confusion as to what the emotions are. In Hong Kong, clients are aware of what they are feeling, they want to know how to address it and how to change it.” This difference in emotional awareness significantly affects the reasons people seek therapy. For example, relationship issues prompt about 15% of his American clients to seek therapy, compared to 60% in Hong Kong.
Beckham’s approach to therapy is grounded in postmodern psychology, which views the client as the expert on their life, with the therapist acting as a collaborative partner. This framework has allowed him to navigate the varied reasons his clients, especially men, seek therapy across different cultures. He notes, “In the West, the stigma has dropped tremendously about seeking mental health support. For the younger generations it is like a badge of honour to seek help,” highlighting a shift in attitudes towards mental health that is less evident among older generations and in certain cultures.
The stigma around seeking mental health care, particularly for men who are traditionally seen as needing to be strong and not show fear, poses significant challenges. This is exacerbated in Hong Kong by a gender imbalance in the mental health profession, as Beckham points out: “It is important to note, however, that in mental health treatment, it is much more difficult to find a same-sex therapist in Hong Kong, as most of the therapists in Hong Kong are female.”
Dr. Charles Brantly, a family doctor in Hong Kong, echoes Beckham’s observations, noting that loneliness and depression can stem from cultural trends and poor social networks specific to Hong Kong. Brantly explains, “With physical health, people are really willing to do prevention. With mental health, nobody wants to do anything about it until the wheels come off.” This reluctance to engage with mental health proactively is a significant barrier to well-being.
Brantly’s practice involves addressing the four pillars of general health: diet, exercise, sleep, and relationships. He finds that the latter often surprises his patients, reflecting a modern lifestyle that can lead to isolation despite being educated, interesting, and intelligent. To combat this, Brantly sometimes prescribes joining social groups or making phone calls to friends, finding that these simple acts can have a profound impact on one’s mental health.
Both Beckham and Brantly highlight the challenges of accessing mental health services in Hong Kong, underscoring the need for increased awareness and resources. Their work sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural, generational, and gender factors in mental health, advocating for a more inclusive and proactive approach to mental well-being. Through their insights, they aim to encourage a societal shift towards recognizing the value of mental health care and the importance of emotional and social support systems.