Social support from both family and friends are essential for your mental health. Enjoying another person’s company and having someone to talk to can help when you are emotionally distressed. It is better to talk to someone rather than ignore your feelings and keep them inside.
A good way to build connections with your peers in your new environment is to engage in hobbies and leisure activities together. For instance, many people in Hong Kong go to nature parks, beaches, or go hiking on the weekends. Aside from good exercise, connecting with nature is also good for our mental health. Creative activities such as drawing, writing, dancing, etc. are also very good in promoting relaxation and release of emotions. Exploring new hobbies will also be beneficial for you to continue to expand your skills.
Contributing to the community by doing volunteer work is also a good way to integrate into your new environment. Many NGO’s catering to migrant workers are open to volunteers. This is especially good for migrant workers who have been here in Hong Kong for a long time already.
When you need support, don’t hesitate to ask from government agencies, NGO’s and similar groups. They provide migrant workers help regarding legal issues, financial difficulties, poor working conditions, as well as social support. You may also follow their websites or social media pages to be updated on upcoming events, holiday celebrations, or even training and workshops that you may be interested in.