Ambassador Initiative: Stop the Stigma Shanghai

Hoop Hero's Ambassador Vee Chung has created a youth-led initiative aiming to destigmatize mental health in China and support adolescents impacted by the prolonged lockdown in Shanghai.

Mental health is a taboo topic in China and seen as the ultimate form of shame. Shame and embarrassment force many to struggle in silence and never seek help. Furthermore, Chinese people tend to report somatic symptoms (racing heartbeat, insomnia, constant headaches) more than psychological symptoms, which leads to lower awareness around seeking help from psychiatrist/psychologist as opposed to a physician. As such, Chinese people don't seek mental health care because their culture stigmatizes mental illness.

Please help spread awareness to foster an online community supporting those struggling in Shanghai: www.stopstigmashanghai.com