Managing Mental Health Issues in Beijing

It can be very difficult living in Beijing, far from friends, family, and the comforts of home. Beijing United Family Hospital's (BJU's) Psychological Health Center helps people suffering from diagnosed mental conditions as well as people dealing with day-to-day struggles. Psychologist Dr. Yuwen Chou weighs in on the issues people in Beijing may be dealing with, as well as the courses of action that medical staff at the Psychological Health Center can help execute. 

Are there any patterns or common factors that may cause people to suffer from mental health issues in Beijing?  If so, why do you think they occur?

I have seen people with anxiety, depression, relationship issues (like issues with their marriage), and issues related to children. I think the fast pace of development in recent decades has made people anxious to adapt to the changes; some can do well while others cannot do as well.  What are some resources that are available to foreigners who may be suffering from issues with mental health in Beijing?

BJU is one of the resources available to serve expats and their families for mental health issues. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors available. If people encounter mental health problems, what should they do?

When the mental health problems people encounter start to affect their daily functioning such as work, study, and home life for a period of time, then it is time to seek professional help to evaluate the severity of problems and to get treatment.  

Relating to BJU specifically, what therapy or treatments do you offer?

We provide different modalities of psychotherapy such as CBT (cognitive-behavioral treatment), as well as psychodynamic treatment, family therapy, play therapy, and couples’ therapy. We serve a wide range of ages in the people we see.  What do you suggest people can do to avoid developing or aggravating mental issues in the future?

A few things we can do to avoid developing mental health issues are: 1) being compassionate to ourselves; 2) taking care of our bodies and minds (for example by eating healthily, sleeping well, and having regular physical activity); 3) being mindful or having awareness of what you feel; and 4) knowing how to manage stress more effectively.  

How is the view of mental health changing in China, on the streets as well as at the treatment level?

I have seen the trend that more people are aware of the importance of mental health issues and so they now come to get the help they need. Yet, I have to say that there is still a stigma associated with seeking mental health help and that more psychoeducation is needed. Psychoeducation is learning about the nature of psychotherapy, stress and its effects and management, the differences between having clinical depression and being in a depressed mood due to situational stressors, and so on.  

Dr. Yuwen Chou is a psychologist at the Psychological Health Center at BJU. She holds a Doctor of Psychology degree and has licenses to practice psychology in the states of New York and New Jersey. Before coming to Beijing, she worked in the USA for more than 10 years. She has worked with patients of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds. To make an appointment with her, call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

This interview was conducted by BeijingKids.

Interested in keeping healthy while you're in China? We've put together the China Health Guide series to help health-conscious people living in China figure out how to organize their healthcare for their stay in the Middle Kingdom. Read past installments: