LettersOpening up can help Hong Kong cope better with mental health struggles

Name: Coronavirus: epidemic worsens Hong Kong’s mental health already reeling from months of civil unrest
Uploaded: 2020-09-23T18:10:13.000Z
Duration: 3 min 11 s
Description: Coronavirus: epidemic worsens Hong Kong’s mental health already reeling from months of civil unrest

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Opening up to someone about the difficulties we are experiencing can be difficult at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic, but the sooner we do so the sooner we can start to ease the pain. Photo: Shutterstock

Letters

Published: 2:10am, 24 Sep 2020Updated: 2:10am, 24 Sep 2020

I am writing in response to your recent report on a Hongkonger falling to his death from his 16th-floor home after stabbing his elderly father to death during a quarrel while his hearing-impaired mother slept in the next room. The 79-year-old woman only realised what had happened when emergency personnel, alerted to the altercation by neighbours, broke into the flat and woke her.

This article highlighted two common social problems in Hong Kong, family disputes and suicide. We often hear about people who argue with family members and then feel so stressed they want to end it all. There are other instances where people feel life’s burdens are too much for them. Earlier this month, there was a report of a botched murder-suicide when an intellectually disabled 21-year-old was allegedly strangled by his mother.

Covid-19 and social distancing, along with the prospect of income or job loss for many, are worsening mental health in the city. This makes it all the more important for people to be able to talk about their problems with someone they trust, be it family, friends or social workers.

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Coronavirus: epidemic worsens Hong Kong’s mental health already reeling from months of civil unrest

The Social Welfare Department has called on families to strengthen communication. I agree that it is very important to talk out your frustrations with family members. If matters get too serious, we should find a social worker immediately.

Thoughts of suicide can be scary and may be hard to suppress or ignore. At that moment, we may think we will never regain happiness. However, there are many people who have been troubled by suicidal thoughts but, with the support of professionals and their own efforts, they are able to live a full life.

The sooner we confide in those who care, the earlier we can ease the pain. While opening up to another or explaining what we are going through is never easy, there will always be some person or organisation that can help.

Kobe Tsoi, Tseung Kwan O

If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page