HONG KONG, December 10 – Following a devastating apartment fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, public mourning has prompted the cancellation or modification of numerous festive events, including several school Christmas parties. Amid this somber mood, a public discourse has emerged questioning whether the pressure to grieve constitutes a form of emotional coercion.
In response, Executive Council member and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Dr. Lam Ching-choi, urged the community today to cautiously resume normal life, emphasizing that while grief is natural after a major disaster, collective healing requires moving forward. Speaking on a Commercial Radio program, Dr. Lam advocated for the continuation of upcoming holiday celebrations, provided they are conducted with dignity and respect for those affected.
Prioritizing Routine for Psychological Recovery
Dr. Lam acknowledged that major crises undeniably impact the collective psyche, leading to varied emotional responses. However, drawing on consultations with child psychologists, he underscored a critical role for schools and society: helping citizens, particularly students, re-establish consistent daily routines.
He argued that activities such as music lessons or sports, which were part of regular life, should be reinstated. This return to normalcy, Dr. Lam suggested, is not only beneficial for general mental health but also indirectly supports victims’ recovery. “We are like a train on a track; we must gently move forward. It may not happen quickly, but we must start walking again,” he remarked, stressing that the restoration of routine should alleviate any potential feelings of guilt associated with moving past the tragedy.
Ultimately, normalizing life will create a healthy environment where affected individuals can eventually be integrated back into communal activities, such as inviting grieving classmates to rejoin team sports, further aiding their psychological well-being.
Disaster Victims Need Society to Progress
Addressing concerns that celebrating might disrespect the bereaved, Dr. Lam shared insights suggesting the opposite is true. He noted that victims often feel pressure and discomfort when witnessing society stagnate in prolonged grief, expressing worries that they are “holding everyone back.”
“They do not expect society to remain eternally sorrowful. Society needs to restore normal life,” Dr. Lam emphasized. Prolonged societal stagnation, he warned, can exacerbate the stress felt by those directly impacted.
The governing principle, he advised, should be to continue celebrations but exercise measured restraint. While festive events should proceed, they must avoid excessive revelry or, critically, any discussion that makes light of the tragedy. Respect must remain paramount.
Dr. Lam reminded the public that the history of Christmas itself is rooted in challenging times—a period of upheaval and loss—but it evolved into a major holiday symbolizing peace, love, inclusion, and the commemoration of loved ones. Therefore, continuing festive activities that promote these values, while maintaining an attitude of support and respect, is vital for re-establishing community cohesion and promoting collective psychological resilience. The ultimate aim is to encourage the community to learn from challenges and move forward along a path of renewed strength.
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