City’s residents must unite confidently during crisis

Apublic opinion pollster reported that the number of respondents complaining of psychological and emotional challenges had grown markedly since political chaos broke out in June, and small-business owners are particularly worried they may have to close down at anytime. Their fear is caused mainly by the global economic slowdown, which will lead to increased unemployment or lower pay for lowskill jobs. A common concern among all respondents is that political confrontation has poisoned Hong Kong’s business environment gravely and is threatening its status as an important international financial center.

The report also notes that the external situation is very discouraging, with the latest round of China-US trade talks held in Shanghai last month, unexpectedly concluding without any breakthrough, thanks to the decision by the US to raise tariffs on almost all goods imported from China, worth $300 billion a year, beginning Sept 1. US President Donald Trump had toyed with the idea for quite a while before the decision was officially announced just before latest bilateral trade talks began. Meanwhile, the newly elected British prime minister started pushing for his Brexit plan right after taking office, making the prospect of the European Union without Great Britain uncertain. And another bilateral trade dispute has fueled pessimist sentiments as Japan and South Korea trade blow-for-blow claims against each other of unfair export-import practices.

All the worries about internal troubles and fears of fallout from external strife have cast a pall of pessimism over stock markets around the world. People are so concerned they cannot but suspect some recent suicides were linked to economic turbulence. That is why the author has written to the Social Welfare Department and welfare institutions, calling for concerted efforts by volunteers as well as professionals to help those seeking relief from economic and emotional stress by improving their psychological and psychiatric health.

Looking at more than seven decades of history from today back to 1945, we can see Hong Kong has experienced multiple political and economic upheavals, such as the SARS epidemic in 2003, the negative impact of which was mitigated in a short period of time thanks to the instant unity of Hong Kong society and the SAR government, with unreserved support from the central government and mainland compatriots through expanded scope of the Individual Visit Scheme, which proved a timely shot in the arm for the faltering Hong Kong economy. That experience is proof that unity and joint efforts can overcome any difficulty. As thenpremier Wen Jiabao told Hong Kong residents when he visited the SAR to show strong support from the central government as well as mainland compatriots that “strong winds tell people which plant is the toughest,” adding that real heroes are those with courage, resolve, wisdom and an open mind in the face unforeseen challenges.

The author is chairman of the Fong Shu Fook Tong Foundation and the Fong’s Family Foundation.

Like many Hong Kong residents, this author believes the current situation is temporary, and everyone should learn to purge their minds of worries and fears through relaxing exercises to calm themselves down. When that does not work, speak to your loved ones, especially family and friends, about your anxiety and seek consolation. One can also find relief in healthy hobbies or group therapies. In all fairness, it is medical science that has discovered all those psychological and emotional relief methods that work by stimulating the human brain to increase the production of endorphins, also known as the “happiness hormone”. Also found effective are long walks in nature or serene environments, such as parks and gardens. Do not hole up in yourself and keep your problems from people you can trust, including doctors, family and close friends. Long proved effective is traditional Chinese medicine, especially acupuncture, acupoint massage and reflexology.

Confidence and courage are critical in overcoming illnesses besides medicine, whose function can be enhanced by the patient’s healthy attitude, with emotional support and care from family and friends. Knowing and understanding the rationale and theory behind these treatments will also help Hong Kong overcome its most pressing problems at hand, such as supporting the government and Hong Kong police efforts to stop rampant violence so as to restore peace and order in the city and bring the badly divided society back together. Without these steps, there is no hope of re-energizing Hong Kong’s economy to its best shape possible. Hong Kong cannot maintain long-term prosperity and stability without unity, peace and public order.

“Hong Kong is our home and all local residents are family.” That is a well-known line from the lyrics of a Cantopop song in the 1990s. It is hoped that Hong Kong society will learn a lesson from past struggles and seek common ground by putting our differences aside and build consensus through mutual understanding and compromise. Otherwise, the current situation will only go from bad to worse and destroy everything all of us have worked so hard to build up on the foundation laid down by our forefathers. The longer it takes us to act, the later we will see the desired result. A family under one roof can live in peace and harmony only when all members love and care for it with one heart and one will.