Rachel Cheung

Opinion | Hong Kong protests take toll on mental health of journalists, but we find a way to keep going

Protesters, law enforcers and Hong Kong residents alike are suffering amid the unrest; it has also affected journalists covering events on the front line

Long hours, flashbacks, insomnia – no wonder some seek counselling. Rachel Cheung recalls a moment of quiet connection that gave her the strength to go on

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Why you can trust SCMP

Photographers record a protest outside the British consulate in Hong Kong. Journalists have been working long hours covering the unrest in the city. Photo: Rachel Cheung

Rachel Cheungin Shanghai

Published: 6:02pm, 30 Sep 2019Updated: 6:02pm, 30 Sep 2019

There is always a story behind the story. This column explores beyond the headlines to reveal the hidden tales affecting cultural and social issues throughout the region.

There are nights when I cannot sleep; the slogan chanting and cries of panic keep ringing in my ears. There are mornings when I cannot wake up, fearing I’ll open my eyes to a world that has gone further down the slippery slope. Then there are days when I do nothing but cry.

At least I am releasing these emotions, I tell myself. For others, who are so caught up in the news cycle, it is a luxury they may not have.

The daily news is filled with stories of how Hong Kong residents, protesters and law enforcers alike are suffering from the political turmoil and unrest that has gripped the city for the past few months; seldom discussed, or even acknowledged, is the mental toll this is taking on those covering the protests.

Protesters surround Kwai Chung police station. Journalists are the last to leave scenes of protest. Photo: Rachel Cheung

First to arrive and last to leave, journalists are as dedicated to their duty as the strongest supporters are committed to their cause. Even as protesters disperse, they stay, watching for potential clashes or arrests, their shifts stretching endlessly into the early hours – and, unlike for police officers, there is no such thing as overtime pay.

Long hours and little rest are only some of the factors. Flashbacks, insomnia, or jumping at every loud bang that resembles a weapon being fired are symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, common to those who have witnessed conflicts and distressing events. And don’t forget that journalists, who need to keep track of every confrontation, are subjected to police violence themselves.