Stress of Occupy pushing some Hongkongers over the edge

The psychological impact of the Occupy movement is taking it toll as people stressed by violent television images and strained relationships seek help.

Arguments among friends and family members - face-to-face and on social media - have become common since the demonstration started on Sunday.

While some people express their feelings in fiery arguments, others struggle to keep the distress to themselves. By yesterday, the Red Cross had received 129 calls - of which 49 were referred for psychological help - to its emotional assistance hotline.

Clinical psychologist Dr Kitty Wu, of the Hong Kong Psychological Society, which operates the hotline with the Red Cross, said TV coverage of police action had worried viewers.

"We've received many calls from TV watchers, who include concerned parents, who know their children have joined the demonstration or recognise faces on the TV. They feel distressed by the 'clearance' that took place … and they worry about the consequences," she said, referring to the use of tear gas on Sunday.

Wu said callers feared more violence, associating the movement with the Beijing crackdown on June 4, 1989. "Some express worries about protesters getting hurt," she said.

A few hours after the police used pepper spray and tear gas against protesters, people called the hotline to ask, "Why did this happen?" and "Why did the government do this?" she said.