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Letters | Hong Kong protesters must pause before stress takes too heavy a psychological toll
- Mental health professionals have raised concerns about the rise in cases of depression and calls to suicide hotlines during the protests. Taking a breather now could prevent loss of life
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While I support those opposing the extradition bill, I don’t believe the ongoing protests are the best way to express their demands and concerns, considering how much negative emotion has arisen over these weeks.
Given the government’s reluctance to compromise despite several weeks of unrest, the prolonged protests might take a heavy psychological toll on protesters. The tense atmosphere in Hong Kong today could lead to more serious psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
According to a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong’s faculty of medicine, almost one in 10 people in Hong Kong are suspected to be suffering from depression during the extradition bill crisis. In addition, suicide prevention groups have reported an increase in hotline calls since the start of the protests, indicating that more people are having suicidal thoughts.
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I don’t support the idea of the protests continuing because I fear the despairing protesters might think of sacrificing themselves as a last resort to draw the government’s attention to their demands. At least three deaths that included suicide notes or other references to the current crisis have been recorded so far. These vulnerable protesters most likely had preexisting mental health conditions.
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Organisers should announce a break from the protests to stop people accumulating negative emotions that could lead to extreme acts.
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