27/11/2025
Hong Kong Society of Counseling & Psychology (HKSCP)
Mental Health Support Information Following the Tai Po Fire Incident
Dear Members of the Public,
The Hong Kong Society of Counseling & Psychology extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the tragic fire in Tai Po. We also hold in our hearts everyone who has been injured, the brave rescuers, and all residents whose sense of safety has been shaken. Hong Kong stands together in grief and solidarity during this painful time.
Experiencing or witnessing a disaster, even through news and social media, can trigger strong emotional and physical reactions. These responses are normal and shared by many in our community right now.
Common Reactions After a Traumatic Event
In the hours, days, and weeks following an incident like this, it is common to feel or notice:
• Unwanted memories or images of the event popping into your mind
• Anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of helplessness
• Deep sadness, anger, guilt, or emotional numbness
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Feeling on edge, easily startled, or irritable
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Physical tension, headaches, stomach discomfort, or fatigue
• Wanting to avoid news, crowded places, or anything that reminds you of what happened
For most people, these reactions gradually ease within a few weeks as the mind and body begin to recover.
Practical Ways to Care for Yourself Right Now
1. Bring yourself back to the present: Try the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise -> name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
2. Slow your breathing: Inhale gently for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat a few times whenever you feel overwhelmed.
3. Keep a gentle routine: Regular sleep, simple meals, and light movement (even a short walk) help steady your mood.
4. Take breaks from news and social media: Choose specific times to check updates rather than constant scrolling.
5. Stay connected: Talk with family, friends, or colleagues you trust. A short conversation can ease the burden.
6. Be kind to yourself: Remind yourself that strong feelings make sense after something so shocking. Treat yourself with the same patience you would offer a loved one.
7. Use simple grounding tools: Hold a comforting object, listen to calming music, or picture a safe and peaceful place in your mind.
8. Do something meaningful, however small: A brief prayer, lighting a candle, sending a message of support, or helping others in tiny ways can restore a sense of purpose.
A disaster of this scale touches every age group differently. Below are simple, practical ways to care for children, adults, and older adults at this difficult time.
Helping Children and Teenagers
Children may feel scared, confused, or angry but not know how to express it.
What you may notice:
• Clinginess, bed-wetting, or fear of being alone
• Repeated questions about the fire or death
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or stomach aches
• Angry outbursts or becoming very quiet
How to help:
1. Give honest, simple answers in an age-appropriate way (e.g., “A big fire happened and some people were hurt. Grown-ups are working hard to keep everyone safe now.”)
2. Keep daily routines as much as possible — meals, bedtime, school.
3. Let them draw, play, or write about their feelings; play is how children process big events.
4. Limit their exposure to news and adult conversations about the fire.
5. Offer extra hugs and reassurance: “I’m here with you and we are safe right now.”
6. If worries last more than a few weeks or they refuse school, gently seek help from a school counsellor or psychologist.
Supporting Adults
Adults often carry multiple burdens — work, family, and community grief.
Common feelings: shock, sadness, anger, guilt (“Could I have done something?”), or numbness.
Simple ways to cope:
• Name your feelings to a trusted person — even a short “I feel shaken today” helps.
• Use the grounding and breathing tips above when anxiety rises.
• Keep gentle routines and avoid using alcohol or sleeping pills as the main way to relax.
• Take small breaks from news and social media.
• Do one small kind act each day (sending a message of support, donating) — it restores a sense of control.
Caring for Older Adults
Many elderly neighbours, especially those living alone, may feel particularly vulnerable after this tragedy.
What you may notice:
• Increased worry about personal safety or fire risks at home
• Reliving past losses or traumas
• Withdrawal, loss of appetite, or sleeping too much
How to help:
1. Visit or call regularly — a familiar voice makes a big difference.
2. Listen patiently without rushing to “fix” their sadness.
3. Help with practical tasks (checking smoke alarms, buying groceries) to reduce helplessness.
4. Encourage gentle movement — a short walk together or simple chair exercises.
5. Accompany them to community centres or religious activities if they usually attend.
6. If they seem very low in mood, confused, or stop eating/drinking, contact family members or a doctor.
When to Reach Out for Extra Support
If, after a few weeks, the distress remains intense and is making daily life very difficult — or if you ever feel hopeless or unsafe — please seek professional help. You do not need to cope alone.
24-Hour Support Hotlines (Free & Confidential)
• The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222
• Hospital Authority Mental Health Hotline: 2466 7350
• Open Up (text or online chat counselling): https://www.openup.hk
You are not alone. Healing takes time, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Hong Kong will get through this together.
With heartfelt sympathy and care,
Hong Kong Society of Counseling & Psychology
www.hkscp.org
