Breaking Barriers in Youth Mental Health: How Alanna Sethi's Journey is Reshaping Advocacy in Hong Kong and Beyond

Alanna Sethi has already accomplished more than most dream of by her early 20s, becoming a voice for youth mental health advocacy in Hong Kong and beyond. Recently named as one of the Top 10 finalists for the prestigious Chegg.org Global Student Prize, Alanna stands out as Hong Kong's sole representative among over 11,000 nominations from 176 countries. "I honestly wasn't expecting to make it to the top 10… I'm already thrilled just making that shortlist." This recognition, often likened to a 'Nobel Prize for students,' highlights her impactful work as a young mental health advocate and the founder of HOPE (Helping Our Planet Earth), a nonprofit dedicated to making mental health resources accessible to youth worldwide.

Yet Alanna's journey to HOPE was marked by hurdles, including her own experiences with mental health challenges, cultural resistance, and a determination to address systemic gaps she observed in Hong Kong and abroad. With her work recognized on an international scale, Alanna's journey and her vision for HOPE resonate as a powerful call for change. By empowering young advocates and establishing partnerships, Alanna aims to fill a vital void in youth mental health support—one conversation, one community, and one resource at a time. Her journey speaks not only to the need for mental health advocacy but also to the power of a single individual's determination to change the world for her generation and beyond.

"I wanted to create the support system I wished I'd had—a place where youth could turn for both understanding and empowerment in navigating mental health challenges."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos provided by: Alanna Sethi

Early Beginnings in Activism

At the age of nine, she was already deeply engaged in environmental and animal welfare advocacy, raising awareness against the palm oil industry's impact on her local community and endangered wildlife like sun bears. "At nine years old, I was campaigning against palm oil, trying to reduce deforestation and advocate for animal welfare… it mattered to me because I grew up in Singapore and we faced a lot of air pollution."

As her activism grew, so did the challenges she encountered. When she moved to a British boarding school at 13, she found herself one of the few Asian students, facing a starkly different culture that was sometimes resistant to her passion. Her environmental work, while meaningful to her, became a source of misunderstanding and, at times, bullying from peers who didn't share her sense of urgency about these issues. She recalls a particular instance when her campaign to replace palm-oil-based school products led to pushback from her peers, a clear signal of the cultural disconnect and resistance she would encounter repeatedly in her advocacy. "I was bullied quite a bit for my environmental advocacy… I think there was some misunderstanding among my peers about the work I was trying to do."

These early setbacks would prove formative for Alanna, teaching her resilience and underscoring the need for accessible support systems for young advocates. The experience opened her eyes to the emotional toll of activism and, more personally, to the mental health struggles that can accompany such relentless passion. It was a realization that would soon drive her to explore a new focus—one that would bring her own mental health experiences and resilience to the forefront of her advocacy work, transforming her path from environmental activism to youth mental health.

The Catalyst for Change: A Personal Mental Health Journey

Alanna's shift from environmental advocacy to mental health support was neither swift nor easy. "I realized there was such a huge gap in mental health support, especially for young people who can't access the private healthcare system… it creates a big problem." As she navigated the challenges of boarding school in the UK, Alanna encountered a mix of cultural shocks and personal adversities that took a toll on her own mental health. Away from her familiar community and immersed in a system that didn't fully acknowledge or support her mental well-being, she faced persistent racial discrimination and isolation. These struggles highlighted the lack of mental health resources available to young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, and intensified her drive to create change.

A pivotal moment came when Alanna realized that despite her efforts to make a difference in environmental and animal welfare, her deeper passion—and growing expertise—lay in mental health. Her experiences seeking support revealed significant gaps in accessible mental health resources for youth, especially in Asian communities where mental health was rarely discussed openly. When Alanna returned to Hong Kong, she found an even starker reality: mental health awareness existed, but effective, accessible support was still missing.

"Through my own mental health journey, I realized my skills could be better used in mental health advocacy… that's when I made the switch."

Determined to address this need, Alanna began laying the groundwork for HOPE, a nonprofit dedicated to accessible mental health support through peer-led initiatives, education, and advocacy, pivoting her environmental organization to focus on mental well-being. Inspired by her own experiences and those of her peers, HOPE's mission would focus on preventive mental health care—equipping young people with the resources, knowledge, and community support needed to maintain mental well-being. In Alanna's own words, she wanted to create "the support system I wished I'd had," a place where youth could turn for both understanding and empowerment in navigating mental health challenges.

Founding HOPE: Bridging the Mental Health Gap for Youth

Unlike existing organizations that focused primarily on mental health awareness, HOPE sought to offer practical, prevention-focused support directly to youth through education, peer-led initiatives, and community involvement. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, Alanna's organization empowers young people to engage with mental health proactively—helping them recognize, address, and manage challenges before they escalate.

"We work on making mental health support accessible to young people internationally through mental health education, peer support, and youth leadership training."

One of HOPE's landmark initiatives was the launch of 'Universality,' a mental health-themed art exhibit in Hong Kong. "'Universality'… was really about focusing on the diverse range of what mental health can be and look like." Artists from various backgrounds contributed, sharing perspectives shaped by mental health experiences, cultural identities, and personal journeys. The event, which took place at the Hive Studios, was more than an art show—it became a space for community, education, and connection. The exhibit included seven discussion panels, tackling topics from bereavement and accessibility to the intersection of mental health with culture and identity. Through these discussions, Alanna highlighted not only the importance of mental health education but also the power of youth-led advocacy. HOPE's programs equip young people to take ownership of their mental well-being and lead initiatives in their schools and communities. This approach makes HOPE stand out as a sustainable, scalable model for mental health support. By training youth leaders, HOPE ensures that the impact extends beyond the organization itself, fostering a network of young advocates who are prepared to address mental health needs within their own circles. HOPE's growth has been powered by Alanna's dedication to reimagining what mental health support can look like for the next generation. By meeting young people where they are and providing the tools they need, Alanna has created a foundation that doesn't just raise awareness—it actively bridges the gaps in youth mental health support, creating lasting change one community at a time.

Building Community and Inspiring the Next Generation

At the heart of HOPE's mission lies a commitment to empowering young leaders to become mental health advocates within their own communities. "I wanted to create a space for [my friend] where they had peer support and tools to manage their mental health… that's why HOPE emphasizes mental health support today." Alanna Sethi understands that lasting change requires a grassroots approach, one that gives youth the skills and confidence to take charge of mental health conversations. Through leadership training and peer support programs, HOPE provides a framework where young people are not just recipients of support but are also given the platform to lead.

"I want to see more young people who are truly passionate and equipped with the tools… it can't just be me, especially since I know my own limitations."

Alanna has expanded HOPE's impact by forming partnerships with international changemakers, demonstrating her belief in a holistic approach to well-being. One such collaboration is with Learn with Diverseas, an ocean conservation non-profit founded by Brigitta Gunawan. Together, they are developing an e-module on "sensory foraging"—an innovative concept that combines ocean conservation with mental health practices by using sensory engagement with nature to promote emotional well-being. This unique project blends environmental action with mental health, illustrating Alanna's commitment to cross-disciplinary solutions and her willingness to find novel approaches to support mental well-being.

Recognition and Vision for the Future

As she approaches the end of her studies at the University of Toronto, Alanna is already setting her sights on the next chapter. "I think Hong Kong is definitely somewhere I want to return to… I really want to give back to this community as well." With aspirations to return to Hong Kong, she envisions expanding HOPE's reach and developing additional partnerships with schools, local nonprofits, and community organizations to integrate mental health programs more deeply into everyday settings. She has also received potential offers from mental health startups in Hong Kong, further positioning her to bring lasting change to the region she calls home. In the long term, Alanna aims to blend international insights from her educational journey in Canada and experiences abroad into Hong Kong's mental health landscape—bridging best practices with localized solutions.

"Mental health is still the heart of what I want to do, but I'm also interested in seeing if I can return to environmental work in some way."

While her work is far from finished, Alanna's vision is clear: to close the accessibility gaps in youth mental health support through a self-sustaining, youth-led movement. Her story not only serves as an inspiration but also as a powerful reminder of what one person can achieve with resilience, empathy, and determination. Alanna's journey, from her early activism to her global recognition, lays the groundwork for a brighter future where mental health is not only prioritized but also accessible to young people everywhere.