More People Seek Care but Social Stigma Still Exists

Mental health care in China has dramatically improved over the last 10 years, according to experts.

Increasing numbers of urban Chinese are today seeking counselling on a wide range of issues related to mental health.

"We receive more than 120 visitors a day right now - that's up 20 per cent since 1998," said Zhang Haiyin, chief doctor with the Shanghai Mental Health Centre. Ten years ago, the centre received 70 to 80 visits a week.

To accommodate the growing number of patients, the clinic has had to extend its service from five days to seven days a week.

Most of the counselling focuses on problems to do with education, employment, family life, relationships as well as mental distress, frustration and insomnia.

White-collar workers are the major recipients of counselling, accounting for 30 per cent of total patients, said Zhang.

"The growing visits indicate Chinese people pay more attention to their quality of life. They have a better understanding that mental health is as important as physical well-being."

Chen Zhigang, an employee of a foreign-funded consulting firm in Beijing, felt depressed and was encouraged by friends to seek mental health counselling. The doctor found he was suffering as a result of workplace pressure and competition. After several months of treatment, he was back to full health.

"Mental health counselling helped reduce my pressure," said Chen.

But many people are still reluctant to use counselling services. Zhu Chengyi, a railway worker from Shanghai, is unwilling to seek help.

"I will not go for it. It is too embarrassing for me," said Zhu. "How can I tell my colleagues and family that I am seeking mental health counselling? They would think I was crazy."

Zhang said a lack of information about mental health care prevented the growth of services in China.

He said a standardized training system was required to make sure all mental health doctors were properly trained.

"In Western countries, mental health counselling has a wide range of methods for consultation and treatment. We need to improve our training to upgrade our services."






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