In view of this tremendous and persistent stress, managing it in a maladaptive fashion may predispose to mood disturbance resulting from imbalance of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in our brain. Furthermore, failure to receive proper, effective and treatment may aggravate one's mood functioning. An individual would become even more anxious, fearful, depressed and prone to form a negative frame of mind. Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, relationship or other important areas of functioning may be resulted, causing a great price to bear.

It is fortunate that a pool of research has demonstrated the effectiveness of both psychological treatment (particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and medication (particularly those regulating the serotonin level). Clinical psychologists of the Psychological Services Group are qualified to provide Cognitive Behavioural Treatment to Force members in need. In addition to psychiatrists, registered family doctors with proper training are ready to prescribe patients with medications to manage mood disorders. If you or your family gets emotionally disturbed, please do seek professional advice as soon as you can. The earlier the treatment received, the better the recovery from mood disturbance.

In case of need, please contact the Psychological Services Group (HKI, PHQ and MAR: 2866-6206. KLN and NT: 2735-3739) or phone to the Hong Kong Mood Disorders Centre of the Department of Medicine, CUHK at 2833-0838.

(Adapted from an article authored by Miss Kathleen Kwok, Clinical Psychologist of Hong Kong Mood Disorders Centre)

CARELINKS 2003 - Mental Health in the Workplace Campaign
A Round-table Forum on Positive Psychological Coping in a Major Community Crisis

The SARS outbreak has been causing a heavy toll to the Hong Kong community, not only posing an extremely serious public health threat, but also incurring heavy losses to the economy and enormous strain to various community networks and public institutions. The uncertainty about the development of this outbreak has also caused much psychological distress, worries and anxiety to the community members in their day-to-day living. In this round-table forum, a group of mental health experts from different sectors of the community are invited to give their views on how to adopt positive psychological coping in face of this outbreak from a personal, organisational and community perspective. Ample time will be allowed for views and experience sharing by the audience.

Date: Thursday, May 29 (from 2.30pm to 4.30pm). Place: Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Maximum number of places is 290. Language: The forum will be conducted in Cantonese but Simultaneous English Interpretation Service is Available. Registration: To reserve a seat, please contact Ms KAN at 2735 5308; by fax (2735 7236); or by PEN at psg-kln-gr@police.gov.hk