Li Xiangyu, a university student, has been grappling with depression for five years. He describes his daily struggle, saying, "While my classmates were adjusting to university life, I found it incredibly difficult to even get out of bed, take care of my personal hygiene, or have a meal."

Li's academic pursuits were impacted due to depression. "Even the simplest tasks, like using chopsticks or chewing food, felt overwhelmingly exhausting. Within a month, I felt completely shattered," he told China Media Group.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of mental and behavioral problems, as well as the prevalence of mental disorders among young Chinese individuals.

According to an epidemiological survey published in 2021, approximately 17.5 percent of children and adolescents in China are affected by mental disorders. The survey, which involved 73,000 children and adolescents aged between six and 16, specifically noted a prevalence of 3.0 percent for depressive disorders starting from 2012.

"As individuals in the process of development, adolescents generally have slightly lower levels of mental and emotional stability compared to adults, underscoring the significance of addressing their mental health issues," said Zheng Yi, a chief expert of child psychiatry in Beijing Anding Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, who is also the lead researcher of the survey.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in minimizing the impact of mental health disorders among children and adolescents, he said, adding that "if awareness reaches 80 percent, most children can receive early-stage diagnosis and treatment."

As individuals in the process of development, adolescents generally have slightly lower levels of mental and emotional stability compared to adults."

A silent epidemic

In recent years, depression has become a major public health concern in China. Although often difficult to detect, this mental health condition impacts the lives of millions of Chinese citizens, presenting a substantial challenge to public health.

According to the WHO, the number of individuals affected by depression in China is estimated to exceed 54 million, making it the most prevalent mental health disorder in the country.

The recent passing of Coco Lee, a renowned Chinese American Pop Star who had been fighting depression for years, has brought mental health awareness to the forefront of public consciousness.

The unfortunate event also serves as a reminder that even those who appear extroverted and joyful can be silently battling depression.

"The inner anguish and sorrow of individuals may remain concealed, especially when they are alone, which is common among public figures in society," said Lu Lin, the president of Peking University Sixth Hospital.

Even individuals who appear outgoing and cheerful can suffer from depression, and their pain and sadness may be concealed when they are alone, he noted.

"Depression is a condition that is partially linked to personality traits, but it is not directly correlated. Currently, the prevalence of mental and psychological disorders in China has reached approximately 17 percent," said Lu.

Depression is a complex condition that is influenced, in part, by personality traits, but it is not directly correlated. In China, the prevalence of mental and psychological disorders has currently reached approximately 17 percent.

Get real smile back

China has been taking efforts to develop its mental health service in recent years, as mental health clinics and helplines have been established to provide support and counseling services to those in need. Moreover, schools and workplaces are implementing stress management programs to foster a more supportive environment.

In March 2021, China introduced a circular to establish a national system for societal mental health services. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that psychological counseling services are available in at least 80 percent of all communities and villages during the pilot phase.

Efforts are also being made to raise public awareness and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. Social media platforms have become instrumental in providing a space for individuals to share their stories and find support within online communities.

In May of this year, the Ministry of Education, along with 16 other authorities, jointly issued an action plan aimed at enhancing mental health education at schools, colleges and universities.

According to the three-year action plan, vocational schools are now required to include mental health education in their curriculums. Similarly, colleges and universities should make mental health courses compulsory for students. It also requires primary, middle and high schools to educate students about mental health.

The plan aims for 95 percent of schools, colleges, and universities in China to have either full-time or part-time mental health counselors by 2025. It outlines that each college or university should have at least two mental health counselors, while each primary, middle, or high school.

For adults, at least 80 percent of patients suffering from depression will have access to treatment by 2030, according to Healthy China 2019-2030.