Television viewers who are upset by watching live coverage of the hostage drama may vent their grief and anger via helplines, social support groups say. And employees of Hong Thai Travel who are grappling with the loss of their colleague, Masa Tse Ting-chunn, may turn to counselling services offered by the Social Welfare Department. Tse, 31, had worked for the agency for 11 years. A department spokesman said a counselling team was available on 2343 2255 to lend an ear to the travel firm's staff and other people who needed mental or emotional support. More than 100 people had called a support hotline, 2507 7750, jointly set up by the Hong Kong Red Cross and Hong Kong Psychological Society on Monday evening. The service will run until 10pm tomorrow. The ages of the callers varied, with the youngest only eight. Most were emotionally unstable, their own unpleasant memories revived by the tragedy, said Dr Kitty Wu Kit-ying, of the society's critical incident team. 'Anger is part of a natural reaction. What we must do is to accept the reality and unleash the unpleasant feelings without hurting others,' Wu said. It was also important to follow daily routines, such as going to school or work, so as not to be bogged down by the incident, she said. Another charitable organisation, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, is operating two lines, one of which runs 24 hours. The number is 18281. Liu Piu-shan, assistant adviser of the hotline, advised those affected to seek professional help as soon as possible. 'The public suffered a real, tangible loss,' Liu said. 'With all the live television coverage it was like a real experience, mental images of which may recur in many people's minds.' She called on parents to observe their children and make them feel secure as they might be too frightened to talk. 'I feel Hongkongers are indeed angry now, some at the Philippines, but it's essential to remain calm and not to put it down to national differences.' A psychiatrist, Dr Tsang Fan-kwong, highlighted the need for survivors to fully express their feelings and accept their emotions. Those who saw their loved ones killed in front of them might experience more severe reactions. If symptoms persisted four weeks later - including insomnia, difficulties in swallowing, anxiety and repeated flashbacks - they might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 'But we should not underestimate people's ability to recover; most can recover and lead a normal life in six months,' Tsang said. Victims can help themselves by accepting reality, getting support and returning to normal lives as soon as possible. 'In a tragic incident, people can at the same time find new meaning in life, as they realise how precious it is. It will drive them to live on.' He advised people to avoid the news if they felt disturbed. The media should allow room for the victims to recover instead of intruding on them, he said. The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association is offering a helpline, 2520 6800.