Opinion | Zhao Lusi shines needed light on China’s treatment of mental health

By speaking out, the actress can help break the culture of silence around mental health and help others rethink their attitudes

Reading Time:3 minutes

Zhao Lusi, in a photo posted on her Weibo account on January 21, 2025. Photo: Weibo

Published: 9:30am, 5 Feb 2025

Actress Zhao Lusi embodies youth and beauty, her dazzling smile and smooth complexion giving no hint of life’s hardships. Yet, last month Zhao shared a deeply personal revelation on social media: she has been battling mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

In her heartfelt post, she recounted how she began experiencing symptoms several years ago but initially ignored them, fearing she would disappoint her family, friends and fans. The relentless demands of her career took a toll on her well-being, affecting both her mental and neurological health. After undergoing treatment, Zhao’s condition has significantly improved.

Her openness has sparked widespread public discussion, shedding light on the immense pressures faced by those in the entertainment industry and, more importantly, on the urgent need for greater mental health awareness. Many people online praised her courage, seeing it as a step towards ending the stigma around mental illness in Chinese society.

I must add my voice to those applauding her. We need to talk about mental health in China.

According to a 2017 World Health Organization report, an estimated 54 million people in China suffer from depression while 41 million struggle with anxiety disorders. Further estimates suggest that around 173 million Chinese people have a diagnosable psychiatric condition.

Although China does not rank as highly in terms of prevalence compared to high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the sheer number of affected individuals presents an immense challenge. Mental health services remain severely limited: the US has about 12 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, while in China the ratio is just 1.7 per 100,000.