Applicable to Adults, Children and Parents
In the face of the tragic fire in Tai Po
In the face of the tragic fire in Tai Po, victims of the incident, witnesses, or other citizens who have been following the news may all be experiencing acute stress responses to varying degrees. Some reactions may appear immediately, while others may manifest later on, in a more continuous, gradual manner.
Adults
Common acute stress responses in times of crisis
- Bodily responses: increased heartbeat, sweating, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, sleep-related problems, nightmares
- Emotional responses: shock, anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, helplessness, worry, restlessness, and uneasiness
- Thoughts: intrusive or repeated recollections of scenes/information related to the incident, difficulty concentrating, excessive worrying about safety, self-blaming, and viewing the situation as helpless
- Behavioural responses: restlessness, crying, avoiding social activities, loss of interest, noticeable changes to eating or sleeping patterns, coping by drinking or smoking to escape from emotional responses
“Normal reactions to an abnormal situation”
- The aforementioned responses are all normal and common. Many people would experience similar reactions after facing crises.
- These stress responses are understood as “normal reactions to an abnormal situation”.
- Please keep in mind that there is no need to compare – everyone’s stress responses are different in terms of onset, level of severity, and presentations.
- Most of these conditions will spontaneously recover within a few days to about a month. If your responses last for over a month and significantly impair your daily functioning, you may consider seeking professional help.
Taking good care of your emotional wellbeing
- Limit the duration and frequency of accessing social media and the news: for example, only allowing yourself 15 minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening; read only the text; or temporarily mute notifications to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Be aware and show acceptance to your emotions: give space and time – there is no rush to “get better”.
- Self-care for your wellbeing: maintain regular daily routines, consistent sleep and meals, and engage in calming activities.
- Talk to those you trust: when sharing, avoid going into graphic details of the incident.
- Seek professional mental health support when needed.
Ground yourself first and connect with the community at your own pace
Taking a break to relax does not mean you have no care for others or for society; it is an act of being responsible for your own wellbeing.
You can connect with others in the way and at the pace that feels right for you.
Children
Common reactions to stress after serious events
- Your body: fast heartbeat, sweating, headaches, tense muscles, tiredness, stomach-related sickness, having a hard time falling asleep, nightmares
- Your feelings: shocked, scared, angry, sad, helpless, worried, guilty
- Your thoughts: thinking about the event again and again, finding it hard to focus, worrying about safety
- Your actions: crying, not wanting to talk to others, no motivation to do things
Stress reactions are normal
- The reactions above are all common and normal. Many other people also have these responses after going through serious events.
- We can view these responses as “normal reactions to a situation that is not normal”.
- Please remember that we all have different reactions to stress. We do not need to compare ourselves with others!
- These reactions usually go away within a few days to a month. If they continue after a month and affect daily life, please ask a teacher, social worker, or doctor for help.
Ways to take care of ourselves
- Spend less time on social media and news (e.g., only 15 minutes morning and evening, or read only the text).
- Pay attention to our bodies – feelings and body affect each other.
- Be friends with “bad” emotions instead of pushing them away.
- Keep a steady lifestyle – regular sleep, meals, and relaxing activities.
- Connect with people you trust and share how you feel or what you are doing.
- When you need help, talk to a teacher or social worker!
Tips for parents supporting children after the disaster
1. Establish Safety & Calmness
- Go Slow & Steady: use a calm, gentle voice to build trust.
- Safe Environment: keep surroundings calm and comfortable.
- Private & Safe Spot: find a quiet, private place to talk.
- Protect Their Peace: help avoid triggers and stressful reminders.
- Kid-Friendly Zone: create a soothing, non-overstimulating space.
- Calm Presence: keep children with relatively calm adults.
2. Provide Presence & Connection
- Full Attention when listening.
- Respect Their Space.
- No Pressure – it’s okay if they don’t want to talk yet.
- Stay Present for anyone needing urgent help.
- Support reconnection with trusted, safe people.
3. Emotional Regulation & Soothing
- Offer a warm drink, simple art materials, or comfort items.
- Encourage play, art, games, or sports to help relax.
4. Attentiveness & Responsiveness
- Watch for signs of difficulty (shock, confusion, agitation).
- Check urgent or basic needs first.
- Media Break Time – keep children away from disaster footage.
- Parent-Guided Updates – give calm, age-appropriate information yourself.
5. Social & Normalcy Support
- Create safe time and space for children/teens to relax and connect with peers.
- Encourage creative and playful activities.
6. Communication & Information
- Clear, Simple Info: calmly explain what will happen and who will care for them.
- Parent-Guided Updates (same as above).
7. Understanding Children’s Emotional World
- Every emotion deserves compassion and acceptance – there is no “right” way to feel.
- Children feel just as deeply as adults, but express it differently.
- Give space, listen gently, never push.
- Meet them where they are – “This is really tough” is enough.
- Watch for anger, impulsivity, or risky behaviour.
- Caregiver Wellbeing: Your own stability is your child’s greatest source of security.
Responding to a Child Overwhelmed by Emotions (Brief Guide)
- Feelings Come in Waves – they rise and fall.
- Body in Alarm Mode – the body’s alarm stays on for a while after a shock.
- Calming Routines Help – walks, warm baths, simple daily structure.
- Many Adults Are Helping – lots of grown-ups are working to keep everyone safe.
- Grounding Technique – slow breathing + naming 5 things you see, colours, etc.
Don’ts
- Don’t interrupt when the child is speaking.
- Regulate yourself first – children need your calm more than your words.
- Avoid “Calm down” or “You should feel safe” – support works better than commands.
- Don’t promise quick recovery – gentle, honest expectations are healthier.
- Don’t demand “Be strong” – children need space to feel, not pressure.
Avoid saying these phrases to children:
- “Heaven won't give you anything you can't handle.”
- “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”
- “You will definitely be able to get through this.”
May everyone find peace soon.
We support one another and walk through this difficult time together.