Page 31 - 155 Varsity ebook

/ 29

‘‘
The best way is to seek professional help as soon as possible,

especially when the symptoms are
recurring and intrusive

’’

Psychiatrists launched a volunteer- How Can People Help Them- Despite all the self-help tips, Lam
ing programme named “Care4ALL selves? repeatedly emphasizes the impor-
香港精神 - 同舟共行計劃” in Au- The Hong Kong College of Psy- tance of finding the right person to
gust 2019. It is targeted at people chiatrists has also shared the tips talk to. “The best way is to seek pro-
who are mentally disturbed by the for maintaining mental well-being, fessional help as soon as possible,
recent social unrest. with the public. especially when the symptoms are
The programme is designed to be One of the tips is to find activi- recurring and intrusive,” she says.
easily accessible and approachable. ties to do or be with families to take *If you are feeling depressed or
The college tries to offer a compre- everyone’s minds off the troubles. It suffering from symptoms of PTSD,
hensive and volunteer-based com- is also important to get unplugged you can call the Social Welfare
munity model to achieve early inter- from the internet and let your emo- Department hotline service (2343
vention and remission. Patients are tions run free instead of suppressing 2255) or Care4ALL香港精神 - 同舟
also encouraged to voice out their them. 共行計劃 (6020 2493) to get consul-
worries and concerns before their “We believe that high levels of tation and help.
consultation. exposure to trauma through social-
It is run by volunteering psychia- media is worrisome, and we would
trists and social workers. “We offer advise those with PTSD symptoms
a maximum of eight free psychiatric to refrain from excessive social-me-
consultations and a medication sub- dia exposure to traumatic events.”
sidy of up to HK$ 6,000,” Lam says. Lam advises.

Edited by Kayi Tsang
Sub-edited by Soohyun Kim