In light of the recent tragedy in Taikoo Shing, the Mind HK team and I are deeply saddened and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to the friends, classmates, school community, and frontline professionals affected by this incident.
When responding to events as painful as this, it is most important to do so with respect and care, avoid speculation, and provide appropriate support to those affected. Behind any major crisis, there are often complex and cumulative pressures, including family caregiving responsibilities, work demands, emotional distress, and access to support systems. Therefore, public discussion should avoid rushing to identify a single cause or party to blame, and instead seek to understand the pressures faced by families and caregivers, while promoting earlier identification, greater collaboration and more sustainable support networks.
In an era of rapid information flow, every repost, comment, and share on traditional and social media can create additional impact on those directly affected and the wider public’s emotional wellbeing. We call on the public to speak about mental health more cautiously to avoid excessive sensationalisation, labelling, or unverified speculation. While paying attention to the incident, the public should also share relevant information about available help and supportive messages.
As a charity committed to mental health, we believe that when individuals or families experience major trauma, bereavement or severe emotional distress, early help‑seeking, sustained companionship and cross‑disciplinary support are vital. This focus has long been a priority for local mental health and psychological support services. We are also mindful of the possible ongoing emotional impact on children, families, classmates, schools and frontline professionals, and we hope that all sectors of society will continue working together to care for those affected, enhance the accessibility of psychological support, and foster more understanding and less stigmatising public conversations about mental health.
In the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Hong Kong, raising children is a journey filled with both love and stress. Parents often feel stretched thin, juggling family care and daily responsibilities, and they can easily become exhausted. To every parent quietly pushing through: when you feel physically and emotionally drained or are experiencing burnout, allow yourself to pause, breathe, and seek help when needed.
For those currently under extreme stress, symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, repeated intrusive memories of the event, feelings of helplessness or intense anxiety can all be common and understandable reactions under stress. We recommend, as far as possible, maintaining basic routines of sleep and meals, engaging in relaxation exercises, reducing prolonged and repeated exposure to distressing news, and sharing your feelings with trusted people so that you do not have to carry them alone. When witnessing someone struggling emotionally, members of the public can first offer calm, non‑judgmental listening and companionship, and help the person connect with practical sources of support.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing emotional distress, please seek professional help as early as possible. If there is an urgent need, you may call the 24-hour service support hotlines for prompt assistance and referral. May those who have passed away rest in peace, and may those affected receive the care they need.
Dr Candice Powell
CEO of Mind HK and Clinical Psychologist
Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Support Hotlines:
Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222
Suicide Prevention Services: 2382 0000
Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre: 18288
Social Welfare Department: 2343 2255
The Samaritans (24-hour Multilingual Hotline): 2896 0000
Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre: 18281
Hospital Authority Mental Health Direct: 2466 7350
Online Youth Emotional Support Platform “Open Up”: https://www.openup.hk/service
