Imagine feeling like life has hit pause or fast-forward without your permission. 😣 Well, on Jan 1, 2025, the 12356 hotline went live across the Chinese mainland, offering a 24/7 lifeline for anyone facing mental health challenges. 📞🧠
The National Health Commission has declared 2025–2027 the "Years of Pediatric and Mental Health Services," and one of its standout initiatives is this unified hotline network. By May 1, all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities had dialed in. Since then, the service has already handled over 500,000 calls! 🎉
In Beijing, Shao Xiao—a psychotherapist at Beijing Anding Hospital and a night-shift operator—shares the most common themes: "Most of our calls are related to depression and anxiety. Some come from young people overwhelmed by school or work hustle, while others are older adults fighting loneliness, or parents worried about their kids." 🤝
According to the World Health Organization, on the Chinese mainland about 54 million people live with depression and 41 million with anxiety disorders. That’s a huge wave of people navigating tough emotions—and this hotline is their life jacket. 🏄♂️💡
Whether you’re a student under exam stress, a professional chasing that next big opportunity, or just someone who needs to talk, picking up the phone isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a step toward self-care and healing. 💖
Mark your calendar: October 10 is World Mental Health Day—a global reminder to check in with yourself and others. If you or someone you know could use support, remember the 12356 hotline is ready to listen. 🙌
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
