World Health Day raises awareness for depression
https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=s0391yrtuso&width=500&height=375&auto=0World Health Day is held every year on April 7 under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). Each year, it focuses on a special theme to create awareness around a particular disease or disorder through regional and international events.
Dr. Berhnt Schwartlander, WHO representative in China, said this year's theme was chosen because it is close to many people’s heart: depression, an illness that nearly everyone has had some experience with either directly or indirectly.
Kindle, who once suffered from depression, feels much better now. /CGTN Photo
Kindle, born and raised in Beijing, is studying philosophy at Peking University. From the outside, many may say the 22-year-old has the perfect life. But she says depression can happen to anybody.
Now feeling much better, Kindle even joked that she was happy to be diagnosed with clinical depression because many of the philosophers she studied were known to be depressed. She said she was not reluctant to seek treatment and didn’t really think about any social stigmatization that is attached to the illness.
“My parents felt guilty for pushing me too hard, but now through this I think we have become closer. It was a relief to know it was an actual illness I had. I didn't fight the treatment...and now I am on good terms with my ex-boyfriend too.”
Depression is a disease that cannot be taken lightly. It's often characterized by periods of persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities one normally enjoys, and can spread to an inability to carry out even the most routine of tasks.
What are the common symptoms?
- Loss of energy
- Change of appetite or sleep patterns
- Anxiety
- Reduced concentration
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depression is a treatable illness, like many physical ailments. Currently there is a gap between the service provided and the service needed, especially in developing nations. The issue is more prevalent in smaller cities in China, where there is a lack of education on the topic.
Kindle says many of her peers with depressive symptoms are still facing pressure from their friends or family to simply “just get over it,” or “suck it up.” So, having access to and being able to afford professional help goes a long way to recovery, but having a strong and reliable support system -- such as empathetic friends and family -- is also crucial. The mental anguish that is caused by depression and its effects on people’s ability to carry out everyday tasks can really take a toll.
Young 'empty-nesters' highlight loneliness in crowded cities
Countless young adults across China live alone. According to data from the National Statistics Bureau, over 13 percent of Chinese homes had only occupant each in 2015. Around 20 million people aged 20 to 30 live alone, and most of them away from their places of birth. They are known in China as “empty-nest” young folks.
According to a recent survey by China Youth Daily, a nationwide newspaper, 64.3 percent of people in China know many empty-nesters. This presents several challenges, such as loneliness and bad living conditions.
Sociologists are taking note of the multiplication of empty-nesters. Researchers say this is a result of the country’s rapid urbanization and stagnating social mobility.
Some scholars are calling for government policies to encourage marriage and having children. But others say it may be better to boost social services and provide more opportunities for social engagement. In wealthier societies like the US, Japan, and Europe, as many as 30 to 40 percent of homes only have one person in them.