Your Voice: Take mental health seriously and check in on loved ones; we must fight climate change (short letters)

I am writing to voice my concerns about mental health problems in society. On June 2, a tragic murder occurred in a Hong Kong shopping centre. Two women were stabbed to death in a random attack. The suspected killer was later revealed to be suffering from schizophrenia and was due for a regular check-up on that day.

Mental health problems do not arise overnight, and their severity is often overlooked until tragedies like this occur. According to statistics, one in every seven Hong Kong residents has different degrees of mental health problems, indicating that the situation is widespread.

Scared about the news? Experts explain how dealing with your fear and destigmatising mental illness go hand in hand

Some of your own relatives and friends may be experiencing emotional distress.

While the lack of support from the government is one of the contributing factors, help from family and friends are equally important. If everyone took the initiative to care for the people around them, fewer people would suffer from mental health problems.

The killings are a stark reminder that mental health issues pose challenges to a peaceful society. I would like to appeal to all readers to not only care for the people around you, but also pay attention to your own mental health.

Wong Chun-hoi, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

In Hong Kong, there has been a significant increase in temperature over the past few weeks. On May 31, the temperature reached 36 degrees Celsius, according to the Observatory. Global warming is becoming more serious.

Before we can take action, we need to understand why the problem is getting worse. It may be due to the actions of humans. For instance, air conditioners were used extensively in schools without much thought last autumn. Although this may provide comfort to teachers and students, air conditioners consume large amounts of electricity and use fluorocarbons that deplete the ozone layer.

How climate change fuels extreme heat

Climate change may not directly cause conflict, but extreme weather events, such as typhoons, can cause severe damage when governments fail to manage outcomes properly. Catastrophes like droughts, floods or heatwaves can magnify issues such as poverty and political instability.

We must take action now. We can use more public transport instead of cars, turn off electronic devices when we do not need them, and eat less meat which increases carbon emissions.

Jasmine Chau, Stewards Pooi Kei College

Over the past few years, the government has given out consumption vouchers, but only to Hong Kong residents. However, foreign domestic workers also deserve these vouchers.

Firstly, since they are living and working in Hong Kong, the government should provide them with some benefits. They work hard, and their contributions should be recognised. The rising prices of food, transport and other daily expenses are increasing the burden on domestic workers. Therefore, they should not be excluded from receiving the vouchers.

Moreover, providing vouchers to domestic workers could boost the economy by increasing their spending power. There are about 400,000 foreign domestic workers in the city, and if each of them is given vouchers, they could contribute significantly to the economy by spending more.

Lastly, providing consumption vouchers to domestic workers could help reduce the labour shortage in Hong Kong.

They may be attracted by the funds provided by the government, which could reduce the financial burden of the families as well as the domestic workers. This could further improve Hong Kong’s economy.

Hong Kong must respect its domestic helpers

Brenda Fung, St Paul’s Secondary School

Recently, I went to karaoke for the first time in a while, and it was such an adrenaline-inducing and stress-relieving activity.

Karaoke started in Japan in 1971. Back in the 1990s, it mostly appeared in clubs or restaurants that had a jukebox karaoke machine. It was not intended for singing, but for enjoying music videos. In the 21st century, karaoke could mean going to designated karaoke bars, such as Neway or Red MR, or even singing in front of the television with home-friendly karaoke mics.

One benefit is relieving stress. When we sing, our brain releases endorphins, promoting positive emotions. They are able to change our perception of pain. Next time you feel physical or mental pain, try singing; it may help alleviate it.

It can also help with physical health. Think of all the high and long notes you have to hit. Doesn’t this count as exercise for your lungs? Also, you don’t want to stand like a statue. It’s almost impossible to sing without moving your body. Karaoke may just be the perfect exercise.