The Mental Health Association said on Thursday that a survey it had conducted showed that 11.1 percent of people could be classed as clinically depressed and in need of professional help, noting that the result was alarming.

The association surveyed 2,900 people last year and found that the proportion had risen significantly to a record high, compared with 8.4 percent in a similar survey in 2020.

It found that almost half of respondents aged between 18 and 24 reported moderate to severe depression, with symptoms including anxiety and insomnia.

It also found that men reported more symptoms of depression than women and were less likely to seek help.

The association's assistant director, Stephen Wong, called on schools to improve mental health education.

He also urged the government to set up mental health services specifically for men, stressing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Meanwhile, a survey by Hong Kong Christian Service, Chinese University and the University of Hong Kong found that many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are unaware of the mental health support available to them.

Mike Cheung of Hong Kong Christian Service said respondents had misconceptions about the cost of services, despite the availability of low-cost or free options provided by the government and various agencies.

"We recommend that the government, as well as all the service providers, strengthen the dissemination of information about primary health services to ethnic minority groups," he said.