Call for Attention to Psychological Reactions to SARS
¡@¡@SARS has created a state of crisis in Hong Kong. The crisis disrupts normal functioning. Psychological reactions to this crisis include anxiety, fears, panic, hopelessness, distress and external blame, similar to other posttraumatic stress reactions. These reactions lead to maladjustment. ¡@¡@Dr. Cheung warned that
several groups of people are particularly vulnerable and early access
to psychological support would be important: ¡@¡@Crisis intervention measures should ensure access to clear and accurate information to reduce uncertainty and fear, and psychological support to alleviate emotional disturbance. Taking up concrete and constructive action to help oneself and others can increase one's sense of self-efficacy. ¡@¡@For psychological support, many government departments and NGOs have set up hotline services. Information on these hotlines should be centralized and widely publicized. In addition to health care and screening, the Government should provide out-reach psychological services and posttraumatic stress debriefing to the vulnerable groups. ¡@¡@Dr. Cheung, who was formerly the Founding Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, pointed out that mass panic reactions to crisis were common among the general public. These reactions would escalate confusion and horror. In turn, discriminatory attitudes were fostered, further dividing the public. ¡@¡@"Condemnation of these reactions provides an opportunity for Hong Kong to build a responsible and caring community", Dr. Cheung said. "This is a time for solidarity for Hong Kong to foster civic-mindedness and fight off discrimination from the international community." Dr. Cheung appealed to citizens to ask what they can do and have done to help themselves and others during this crisis. Community groups and leaders were urged to help by dispelling myths, and promoting health education and mutual support. |