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Health Check: Rising depression amid Hong Kong unrest

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Protesters embrace during the Hong Kong demonstrations

2020/01/15 GMT

Rising depression amid Hong Kong unrest

BBC World Service - Health Check, Rising depression amid Hong Kong unrest

Is unrest in Hong Kong linked to a rise in depression?

Is Hong Kong unrest causing depression?; How to help ease anxiety caused by serious allergies; Oxytocin: much more than the hormone of love

The ongoing unrest in Hong Kong appears to be linked with a rise in mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The mental health of adults in Hong Kong was already being monitored for a long-term study - and researchers noted that during the unrest that the probable depression rate was five times higher than usual. We hear from a psychologist who says that treating the symptoms alone will not help – if the underlying political issues are not addressed too. 

A child with a severe allergy to foods such as nuts can become seriously ill when they eat even tiny amounts of that food. Exposure can cause swelling around the mouth – and even the throat closing up, preventing breathing. Families have to learn not only to cope with the physical risks – but also manage their anxiety. We hear about the help for families trying to live as normal a life as possible. 

Oxytocin is sometimes known as the hormone of love – it’s a brain chemical that helps us to bond with babies and romantic partners. In her new book, Why Oxytocin Matters, Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg says it’s much more than that – helping to reduce stress and maybe even reduce inflammation. 

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath

(Image: Protesters embrace during the Hong Kong demonstrations. Photo credit: Aidan Marzo/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images.)

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