During the worst waves of the pandemic, it was difficult for many of us to maintain our social connections and mental health. Art is a powerful medium for bringing people together, and this is what inspired me and my co-founders to start the organization, Onemind.
The core mission of our group is to use art to shed light on mental health issues and discuss the stigma surrounding these issues. This is especially important in Hong Kong because it is a very stressful environment.
We chose artistic expression because we didn’t want to limit our creative freedom to words and we wanted people to genuinely connect with others through all forms of art such as photography, visual arts, music, film, dance , Theater and poetry. Art is also a common way of expressing ourselves; for example, drama and song can strengthen the bonds in our community.
Onemind brings together students from Hong Kong to create art about mental health issues. Photo: Brochure
During the summer, Onemind members went to a local school to teach art to elementary students on a weekly basis. This opportunity strengthened our bond with these students as we watched them make new friends and unleash their creativity on their artwork.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated some of the mental health challenges young people face. After a long period of isolation when we had classes online, many of us experienced anxiety when we returned to school for the first time. Anxiety is a common feeling in students when faced with school assignments and exams. Instead of burying these feelings, it is extremely important for people to realize that they have a community that supports them when they are struggling.
Student artwork for Onemind has previously covered many sensitive topics related to mental health, and we want the community to be open-minded when looking at our art. One of our previous topics was “The Seven Stages of Grief.” Raw emotions poured into the art. The feeling of loss is indescribable, and many people struggle with pain and denial when trying to come to terms with a loss.
Hong Kong poet Louisa Choi talks about opening up on Instagram
We want the community to realize that each person is going through their own challenges and journeys, and people should feel comfortable expressing their feelings.
Since Onemind launched in March 2022, our organization has grown exponentially and achieved a lot through the wonderful projects we’ve worked on and the schools we’ve connected with. Our members are passionate about fulfilling our mission and continuing to build on our achievements.
The ultimate goal of Onemind is to help our audience recognize that their feelings are completely valid, and we want to help everyone feel comfortable talking about their struggles with someone they trust.
Do you feel anxious or depressed after your big exam? You’re not alone
Being skinny is not the only way to be beautiful
Jasmine Wong Wai-sze, St Paul’s Secondary School
Take a look at the advertisements on the street, on TV or even on your mobile phone. Most of the models you see are skinny.
Does being thin make someone beautiful? This question seems to be controversial.
Beauty standards may be different in other places, but in Hong Kong, people are often judgmental of others and say hurtful things about their bodies. Girls are often told that they are chubby and bulky if they gain weight, and are advised to go on a diet. Many women in Hong Kong are obsessed with striving for the perfect body. Some go on diets even if they are underweight. Some spend money on expensive treatments to get rid of unwanted fat.
This slimming culture not only affects adults but also adolescents. For many teens, one of the biggest problems they face is having a negative body image. Some want to diet and lose weight even though they are healthy. A 2003 survey of 358 girls between the ages of 15 and 21 in Hong Kong showed that 85 per cent wanted to weigh less, although only 4.8 per cent of them were overweight.
When most of the women and girls we see on TV and social media have the same body type, it can make us think that there is something wrong with us. Illustration: Shutterstock
Some young people may even use extreme methods just to meet the social standard of beauty. However, these can develop into eating disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic website, eating disorders are persistent eating behaviors that negatively affect a person’s health, emotions, and ability to function in daily life.
The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital website writes that 95 percent of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists website, approximately 1 in 200 female students suffer from eating disorders.
In Hong Kong specifically, eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are becoming more common among students.
This situation is certainly alarming. But why do so many teenagers want to be skinny?
Hong Kong teens say Instagram has a negative impact on their mental health
Because skinny bodies are common in commercials, movies, shows and social media, it has become a beauty standard for Hong Kong women. K-pop music has been a big trend in Hong Kong, and the industry’s beauty standards have influenced the city’s teenagers. Singers often have pale skin and a slim body. Teenagers have a strong desire to copy their beloved idols, from mimicking their makeup style and dance moves to copying these often unrealistic beauty standards.
The last factor that contributes to this problem is peer pressure. Even if some students are not affected by what they see in advertisements or pop culture, they will be affected by what their peers think. This is because friends are the ones they spend the most time with. Amongst classmates, there is often bullying directed at students who are believed to be overweight. Some of them will laugh at them or even be bullied.
To address the root of this problem, the government must embrace and support the idea that beauty comes in many shapes and sizes.
It is time for us to change our mentality. Having a slim body is not the only way to be beautiful, but loving yourself is.
