One of the important costs to consider in the times we live in is professional mental health support and treatment.
There is greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and free resources such as hotlines, online support groups, and self-help materials are now available. These can be a useful starting point, but there are several reasons why investing in professional mental health support is worth it.
Qualified mental health professionals undergo extensive training and education to develop the skills necessary to deal with a wide range of mental health issues. They have in-depth knowledge of a variety of treatment techniques and interventions that can help individuals overcome their unique challenges.
By investing in therapy, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their thought patterns and develop skills to more effectively overcome challenges. This self-awareness and growth can have long-term benefits and positively impact many areas of your life.
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When technology meets travel
Livia Lam Seay, Pope Paul VI University
As a middle school student who has enjoyed exploring many world airports during his travels, I have a keen interest in how innovative technology can be leveraged to enrich the flying experience.
Hong Kong International Airport in particular has great potential due to its status as the world’s major aviation hub and existing state-of-the-art facilities. However, there is still room to improve the traveler experience.
Smart mobility solutions hold great promise in this regard. Implementing a comprehensive suite of mobile apps gives travelers real-time information and interactive tools directly in the palm of their hands. Features like customized maps detailing transportation connections, dining options, currency exchange, and more can help make your trip less stressful.
Passengers can wirelessly check-in, obtain boarding passes, receive travel updates and move seamlessly between touchpoints. Beacon technology could complement this effort by providing personalized guidance to individuals. Creative use of new technology applications and customized experiences can raise the bar for airport travel around the world.
Technology can help change the travel experience, writes one reader. Photo: AFP
Increased attention span
Chris Shum Chun-hei, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Eiu Memorial University
Most teenagers these days are glued to their smartphones, watching short videos and consuming content. However, this type of entertainment can have long-term negative effects, such as shortening your attention span. Moreover, this kind of content is highly addictive. So how do we deal with this problem?
It is important to consistently develop good habits. For example, devoting time each day to exercise or meditation can help maintain mental clarity. Engaging in delayed gratification activities, such as exercise, can help you build a stronger mental foundation. In contrast, activities that provide instant gratification, such as eating sweets or endlessly scrolling, can harm us.
If students want to become independent and resilient early on, they need to prioritize self-care. If you can’t control yourself, how can you be expected to take care of your family?
I understand that life can be difficult at times, but that’s how life works. Adopt an optimistic mindset and focus on self-improvement. By doing so, teens will be better equipped to thrive in life in the long run.
Young people are constantly watching short videos on social media.Photo: Shutterstock
strike the right balance
Ho Chun Yau, Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial University
I believe that children should have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their abilities, rather than focusing only on academic goals.
Many students are enthusiastic about their studies, but may forget to explore other exciting avenues. But for children, time to play, have fun, and socialize with friends is essential. This balance of studying and relaxing is beneficial for their mental health.
It is also important for young people to find a balance between interacting online and dealing with negative influences. While we all benefit from social media, there are also hidden risks for people to voice their concerns. Navigating the digital world safely and responsibly requires children as well as adults to adopt critical thinking.
It is essential for us to explore our interests and potential. Most of us understand this idea, but only a few can follow it. Maintaining a successful life balance can be difficult as we often face limitations. However, you can still listen to and try to understand your true thoughts and avoid being drawn in by unnecessary things.