Editorial | Mental health support essential for all of society after Tai Po fire tragedy
With time, meaningful comfort and social connections will help frontline survivors and the city as a whole recover and find a path forward
Grief is an emotional wound that time alone cannot heal. Mental health experts say active work is needed to find a path through painful experiences and live with loss.
So, it is good that Hong Kong authorities have joined many in the community to step up support for people caught up in the deadly Tai Po fire. It is important that such efforts are effective, widespread and sustainable so they can help those directly affected as well as the professionals doing harrowing work to find victims of the disaster.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu said authorities will prioritise mental health support for residents of Wang Fuk Court. The chief executive also acknowledged last Friday that the wider community would need support to find its way out of deep sorrow.
An “emanating sadness” had raised concern about how to improve mental health services and support for all of society, Lee said, noting that demand for psychological care was so strong that a single NGO received 600 calls for help at one stage.
Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said all 79 patients admitted to hospital for injuries sustained in the fire were considered no longer at risk, yet some still struggled with feelings of guilt, insomnia and anxiety over their future.
Many who escaped injury are also hurting emotionally, especially those caught in an agonising wait to learn of the fate of loved ones who are missing. The police team searching through the ruined complex for remains has been doing an invaluable service.