World Mental Health Day: Former depression victim tries to help others after rebirth

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03:25

Today is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme: "Young people and mental health in a changing world". Many who now offer counseling and spiritual support to victims grappled with mental illnesses themselves throughout their lives. CGTN's Yang Jinghao talks to a psychological consultant from the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, who shares her experiences.

Alleviating her patients' distressed feelings and trying to save them from desperation. This is Deng Lijiao's daily routine, or, a kind of mission. The 31-year-old psychological consultant from Chongqing spent several years battling her own severe depression. It overcame her on the day she got admitted to a prestigious university.

DENG LIJIAO PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANT "The direct cause was stress that had accumulated for years. I just felt I lost my spiritual pillar and objective overnight. It was like a taut rubber band suddenly snapped."

Diary entries by Deng's father recorded the family's struggle against the nightmare -- her manic behavior, her personality changes, and the family's journey of seeking help.

DENG SHIMIN DENG LIJIAO'S FATHER "My palms sweated and I couldn't stop trembling the moment the doctor told me my daughter was diagnosed with so-called manic depression. It was a huge blow to me. But I told myself I would save my daughter at any cost."

Following five years of arduous attempts to save her, which included medication, psychological support and involvement in various social activities, Deng finally came out of the dark and developed her own interest in psychology. She started her studio in 2011 after getting qualified. She now uses her own experiences to help more people in need, in particular, teenagers.

YANG JINGHAO CHONGQING "Recent surveys estimate about 90 million people suffer from depression in China. But the sad truth: few of them realize it and seek treatment. Now the numbers continue to grow, especially those of young people."

In September, a 21-year-old woman took her life by jumping from Mount E'mei in Sichuan province. She said in her will that people thought she was joking, and said they called her fragile every time she expressed her feelings. This is what Deng worries about.

DENG LIJIAO PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTANT "People's awareness on this illness has improved to some extent, but it's still far from enough. Some parents still can't understand their children's pain and even scold and beat them. Some can't find proper treatment."

Today, Deng's father continues sharing his experiences with hopeless parents. He tells them the most important thing is to support their children by encouraging them and trying to find a scientific approach to handle depression. Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Chongqing.