Hong Kong Protests: How are you feeling after the airport clashes, and how are you practising self-care?
On the night of the fifth day of protests at HK International Airport, events turned violent, causing stress and sadness across the city. Here's how the Young Post team is coping
Tuesday night saw unprecedented violence break out at Chek Lap Kok. At least two men, who protesters suspected of being undercover mainland police, were injured, and more than 100 flights were cancelled, leaving travellers stranded.
Watching and reading about such events can take an emotional toll on you, whether you're a teen or an adult. It's OK to feel sad or frustrated when they happen - but it's also important that you acknowledge how you feel, and address your emotions.
Here's how the Young Post team is feeling and dealing with their reactions. We hope it will inspire you.
A wrap up of the events at the airport on August 13
I'm feeling dismayed because I hate seeing violence happen in Hong Kong. I feel hopeless because I don't know what will happen next or how and when the extradition bill situation will end. It makes me afraid for Hong Kong's future. I think I will spend time with friends tonight so I can remember one thing that makes this city so fantastic - the people.
Dannie Higginbotham, Web editor
Seeing the events of last night made me feel very unsettled and sad about Hong Kong’s future. Emotions are running so high that the slightest thing can trigger wild decisions by people who would normally be very gentle and rational. I hope a solution can be found soon, and concessions can be offered which are acceptable to the majority of Hong Kong people. To manage my own emotions, I play video games which require my full attention so I don’t have the capacity to think about anything else.
Jamie Lam, Special projects editor
I was shocked at what happened. It seemed the protesters were not going to clear a path for a man who may have been seriously hurt and he could have died. I was relieved to see the police and surprised at how well they handled the situation. I look to the light. Even in the darkest times we can find heroes, people who do immense amounts of good, and focus on those. And, also, I know that while I feel bad now, it's not going to last forever. In life there will always be bad times, but they make us appreciate the good times a lot more.
Susan Ramsay, Editor
Airport protesters issue apologies over Telegram
About last night, I was saddened by the fact that some people were so filled with anger. I'm worried that some might become the ones they once hate in order to fight the monsters, which is something I don't want to see.
Charlotte Ames-Ettridge, Sub-editor
I was both sad and distressed after seeing last night’s events, and worried about Hongkongers and their future. I mostly talk to my local friends, who help me to better understand the situation and how they feel, and we send each other cheer up memes when the news gets depressing.
Doris Wai, Multimedia producer
Beijing describes the situation in Hong Kong as 'terrorism'
Watching live streams of what was happening at the airport last night, I found myself getting increasingly angry at the relatively small group of protesters who had escalated events so much to include beating up people. It turned my frustration that friends of mine had had flights cancelled, both in and out of Hong Kong, into anger. And it made me angry that the only view the rest of the world was getting was of an unruly, undiscplined, unthinking mob, and that they were losing any sympathy they had gained, and making the city look like a cesspit, rather than the awesome, vital, inspiring, supportive, safe, wonderful home I know it is.
I had to stop watching. As important as it is to be connected, and follow the news, it's also important to know when something is stressing you out, and to take a step back. I fired up some funny Youtube videos (Graham Norton interviews did the trick), made a soothing cup of tea, and watched until I felt my body unwind before trying to sleep. Rest and rejuvenation is crucial at times like these, on both a personal and society level, so find the ways that best help you - and don't forget to reach out to friends and family and check up on how they're doing.
Karly Cox, Deputy editor
I am very saddened by the events that unfolded last night, and my heart sinks every time I hear about any violent clashes between people. When I'm feeling overwhelmed with emotion, I go to my bouldering gym to climb, as it requires my full concentration and takes my mind off all the terrible things that have been happening in my beloved city. When I still find it hard to sleep at night, I find the only thing that can truly soothe my mind is to pray for Hong Kong's future and the safety of all its people.
Nicole Moraleda, Sub-editor