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Hong Kong riot police clear the area around government headquarters after protesters stormed the Legislative Council Chamber. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong extradition protests could trigger a mental health crisis, experts warn

  • Suicide prevention groups report increase in hotline calls, after three protest-linked deaths and reports of at least two suicide attempts
  • ‘I have never seen Hongkongers so unsettled and troubled’, local expert says

Hong Kong’s recent turmoil has led to an alarming surge in calls for emotional support, with specialists warning of an increase in suicidal thoughts and urging the government to immediately address a potential mental health crisis.

Samaritan Befrienders, a suicide prevention group, said on Wednesday that it had received 42 calls for help since June 9. Clarence Tsang, the group’s chief executive, said all the calls were “bill related”, referring to the government’s unpopular extradition bill that march organisers claimed brought millions of Hongkongers to the streets last month.

Tsang said the number of calls was about five times higher than the number received by the group from March to May. The number of calls the group received during the Occupy protests was not available on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Red Cross said it had received 99 calls on its psychological support hotline since June 12. That was the day police used tear gas, beanbag rounds and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of protesters occupying roads around the government headquarters and the Legislative Council.

“This is a public mental health situation,” Tsang said.

Paul Yip Siu-fai, director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention at the University of Hong Kong, went further.

“The whole society has fallen into hysteria due to a volcanic eruption of the deep-seated identity crisis triggered by the bill,” he said.

“People are upset, worrying about the safety of others and feeling uncertain about their own life. I have never seen Hongkongers so unsettled and troubled by the feeling that nothing is under control.”

Anger of the young at Hong Kong government now goes beyond the extradition bill

Yip said these factors could lead to an outbreak of depression and extreme acts.

Three deaths that included suicide notes or other references to the current crisis have been recorded since the mass protests began last month.

At least two suicide attempts on Wednesday went viral online, sparking fears of copycat behaviour and suicidal thoughts among Hong Kong’s young people.

Tsang said his group had sent an outreach team to protest areas since June 9 and had handled 24 cases of emotional disturbances, most involving young Hongkongers under or just above 20 years old.

Some said they felt hopeless and suicidal, according to Tsang.

“They were saying things like, ‘I fear nothing. The worst I can get is a real bullet. I can’t achieve anything anyway’,” Tsang said.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor suspended the bill in response to mass demonstrations, but protesters insisted that it be scrapped and escalated their actions.

On Monday, the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China’s rule, desperate young protesters broke into the Legislative Council by smashing open more than a dozen glass windows.

Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung said many protesters were unafraid of dying – and some felt indebted to the three Hongkongers who lost their lives.

A protester at the head of the mob was heard shouting to lawmakers who tried to stop him: “Get out of my way. My schoolmate died. You can’t stop me!”

Tsang urged protesters to take a break from protesting if they felt overwhelmed.

“A long campaign needs breaks,” Tsang said. “And when you feel there is no way out, talk to someone positive to avoid a snowballing of negative emotions.”

Tsang continued: “The government’s response affects people’s emotions. All I can say is that the government has yet to handle the situation and it could have done better.”

A protest march on Monday. A suicide prevention group has reported an increase in hotline calls since the protests started last month. Photo: Dickson Lee

Yip said the government should reach out and talk to young protesters.

“Apart from a dialogue, the government should take actions to improve the situation,” he said.

Yip suggested authorities carry out an independent investigation of the causes and consequences of the entire extradition bill fiasco.

“This cannot only set the record straight for police, but also benefit the government by helping it avoid making the same mistake in the future,” Yip said.

The professor said holding forums at universities was an effective way for the government to have face-to-face communication with the city’s youth.

“They can listen to the thoughts of the students, and later come up with some effective measures.”

Student suicide rates on the rise, but is anyone listening?

Tsang said the trend of using social media to send real-time messages to people contemplating suicide was not helpful.

“Never say ‘all problems will be gone by tomorrow’ because that shows no understanding,” he added.

Instead, he said concerned people should show those who were distraught how to get professional help – or just invite them to share their thoughts.

He also called on family members with different political views to listen more and judge less.

“After all the debate, please remember to tell each other your love remains unchanged.”

Chan Yiu-kee, chief clinical psychologist of the Social Welfare Department, urged people in emotional distress over the recent unrest to talk to relatives and friends or seek professional support.

If you, or someone you know, are having suicidal thoughts, 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

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Cheung and Emily Tsang

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