Professor Samuel HO, Associate Dean (Faculty and Research) of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of Psychology of the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, was interviewed by the Hong Kong Economic Journal to share his insights in dealing with the stress caused by life-threatening diseases and traumatic events.
Prof Ho was invited to provide psychological training to medical workers during the 2003 SARS outbreak, and had been tracing the mental conditions of the medical workers and recovered patients continuously. He had also been a volunteer after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. He pointed out that most people would be frightened when facing uncertainties, such as the mode of transmission in a new epidemic outbreak. Besides, people may respond to adversity with a defence mechanism and tend to question or blame others easily.
Drawing from his experience, Prof Ho advises people to maintain their usual hobbies to get through the hard time. That is, try not to focus on the fears but fully engaged in the activities. As for him, immersing himself in ceramic art was the way to relieve stress back in 2003, when he was working in hospitals. Having said that, we should still be aware of the threats, just do not be overwhelmed by them.
Photo 1: Workshops on positive communications and identifying one's self-efficacy can help people during and after a traumatic incident.
Planning for the time after the epidemic can help distract ourselves from negative emotions as well.
The post-trauma period can be equally or more difficult, especially for the medical workers and recovered patients of an epidemic, or survivors and the rescue team members of a disaster. Recalling cases of an ICU nurse whose husband died from SARS and mothers whose children were buried to death in the Sichuan earthquake, Prof Ho said it could take a long time for people to accept the loss of their loved ones. Even for non-bereaved, traumas can linger and produce anxiety for a long time. According to Prof Ho, developing one’s self-efficacy—meaning to identify what he/she can do and contribute—is key to overcoming these barriers. In fact, it is also applicable for people who need to counter the fear of the recent coronavirus outbreak. Those who are internet savvy can use their skills to purchase facial masks, and all members of a family can share cleaning work. In this way, they are contributing to the health of the family and community where they belong.
Finally, it is also essential to have positive and encouraging communications with people around. After all, it will be easier to get over a hurdle with the support from others.
Click this link for the original coverage on Hong Kong Economic Journal:
沙士心理研究學者抗疫良方 投入個人興趣 破除疫境恐慌
Cover photo: Professor Samuel Ho advises people to engage in their favourite activities to reduce their pressure. (Photo: Communications and Public Relations Office, CityU)
