An NGO on Sunday urged the chief executive to establish a fund in his upcoming policy address to promote mental health among secondary students.

This came as the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong discovered in a survey that about half of the students may not seek help when they face mental problems.

The group interviewed over 800 secondary students from Hong Kong Island between July and August.

One-third of them reported depressive symptoms, and around 25 percent experienced anxiety.

More than half of the students rated their mental health as satisfactory.

But researchers pointed out about one in six students were unaware they might be experiencing depression or anxiety.

"Students lack general understanding towards mental health issues and symptoms, and they are often very occupied in their life," said Jessica Mo, principal programme secretary at YMCA.

"They feel tired after going to school or doing homework, and they lose their motivation in learning."

Mo added the proposed fund will refer students to private psychiatric services, and alleviate stress in the public healthcare system.

The NGO also suggested other approaches such as art therapy, so students know they have alternatives other than medication.