Anxiety, depression plague up to 66% of Hong Kong subdivided flat tenants: NGO

NGO survey reveals 40 per cent of earnings go to rent as families struggle to raise children with special needs in cramped flats

As many as two-thirds of 158 subdivided housing tenants supported by an NGO in Hong Kong have shown signs of anxiety or depression, highlighting calls for stronger counselling and social support.

The Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service (KTMSS) said on Thursday that it had served 158 families living in subdivided flats in the district in 2024-25, about half of whom had at least one child with special educational needs.

The households had an average income of about HK$15,350 (US$1,960), with about 40 per cent going towards rent.

According to the survey, 66 per cent of respondents showed signs of anxiety. Among that group, about 37 per cent displayed moderate or severe symptoms.

About 40 per cent showed signs of depression, with nearly half of them experiencing moderate or severe levels.

The centre, which provides “trauma-informed care” and comprehensive family support, further assessed 55 respondents with moderate anxiety or depression and found their mental health indicators improved after a one-year intervention.

Across indicators including anxiety, depression, parental stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and resilience, about 7 per cent showed improvement in at least four areas, while around 80 per cent improved in at least one.