According to Erik Erikson (1959), one of the most important psychological needs of adolescents is to develop relationships leading toward longer-term commitments with someone outside the family. LOVE1010 is a brand new initiative by the Counseling and Wellness Center this year and will be made available annually with different essential topics that students would need in developing intimate relationships, which is often not covered in normal school curriculum. In April 2018, a roadshow was held to explore with students and staff their adult attachment styles, and the following workshops and talks were conducted to equip students for a healthy and nourishing relationship with meaningful connections that meets the yearnings of being understood and loved which would light up each of us.

Stress and Emotions are unavoidable but very often misinterpreted, ignored or suppressed in our daily lives. Understanding them with awareness to their presence promotes psychological well-being by turning the perceived obstacles into treasure.

From early on in life, we develop an attachment style to our caregivers that tends to remain constant. This attachment style has a serious effect not only on our emotions, but also our relationships. Find out what your style is and how it affects your relationships by taking the assessments.

Psychiatric day hospitals are part of the ambulatory care facilities providing multidisciplinary assessment, continued care and rehabilitation to psychiatric patients. We are grateful that we had the chance to visit Yung Fung Shee Psychiatric Day Hospital c/o United Christian Hospital. The visit enhanced our learning about the facilities and services of the day hospital, deepened our understanding in helping patients’ re-integration back to the society, and encouraged our sharing with recovering patients and showing our support. It was really a very rewarding experience!

Accept changes and challenges as part of life, embrace them and turn them into opportunities for growth instead of obstacles to overcome. Psychologists term it as a “growth mindset”, in which people see themselves learning, not failing. They believe that their basic qualities can be developed through dedication and hard work. A growth mindset encourages persistence and resilience. Let’s meet the challenges and grow together!

Resilience is the ability to "bounce back" from adverse situations, such as trauma, tragedy, threats, or other significant sources of stress. Several factors are found to enhance people's resilience. They are “R.E.B.O.U.N.C.E.”.
R – Relationship building
E – Embracing change and focus on growth
B – Being mindful
O – Optimism
U – Understanding the ABCDE of resilience
N – Nurturing yourself
C – Character strengths
E – Effort and engagement

Everyone likes to be treated with kindness and love. Kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smiles, kindness in your acts, can bring happiness in others and peace in yourself. It will make the world a better place. In this workshop, you can learn some basic tips on showing kindness and spreading sunshine to your loved ones or people around you.

The Counseling and Wellness Center of the Dean of Students' Office conducts 12-hour Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Courses to HKUST students and staff every year.

The trainer of 12-hour MHFA course will teach you how to provide initial support to people with mental health problem or people experiencing mental health crisis. It will cover:

•　Basic knowledge of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and substance use disorders;
•　Possible crisis arising from these mental health problems (e.g., suicidal behaviors, acute psychotic behaviors, acute stress reactions) and the necessary interventions;
•　Early intervention and appropriate support to the person in need before the situation gets worse;
•　Community resources and professional services available in Hong Kong

(https://mhfa.com.au/)

“Hold On, Put Efforts” is one of the signature programs offered by the Counseling and Wellness Center. Past events include:
•　Busking
•　Dr Dog
•　Refill Station
•　Desserts Time
•　Aroma Making

According to Prof. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a renowned social psychologist, we can boost our happiness by showing our gratitude to others; cultivating optimism; practicing acts of kindness; nurturing trustful social relationships; practicing mindfulness; exercising; feeling hopeful and cultivating laughter.