A Lifeline for Emotional Support, Guidance, and Reduced Stigma in a Changing China

China's National Hotline Offers Support and Hope

When a young woman in her late 20s called the newly launched national mental health support hotline in China, she was overwhelmed with distress, struggling to articulate her thoughts and resorting to tears. She had recently lost her job, ended a relationship, and blamed herself for her misfortunes.

Meng Fanqiang, a clinical psychologist and head of the psychological assessment department at Beijing Anding Hospital, answered the call. He began by offering relaxation techniques to help her calm down and focus. He reassured her that her pain and distress were valid and that it would take time to work through these emotions. He also emphasized that none of those negative experiences were her fault.

By the end of the 30-minute call, the young woman sounded calmer and was able to approach her life challenges with a more rational perspective. She promised to call back if she felt distressed again.

"Her case demonstrates the strength of the hotline — it is quick, easily accessible and serves as an emotional buffer for people experiencing a mental health crisis who don't know where to turn for help," said Meng.

The 12356 national mental health support hotline, launched in selected regions on January 1, 2023, operates around the clock in at least 18 provincial-level regions and is expected to be available nationwide starting May 1. Beijing was among the first regions to implement the five-digit number, with Beijing Anding Hospital, along with 16 local psychiatric medical institutions, managing the hotline.

The hotline is staffed by over 60 trained mental health specialists, including experienced therapists from hospital wards. All call operators specialize in psychology or psychiatry and have undergone training to adapt to phone conversations and medical ethics.

Typical callers often experience anxiety and depression, with issues ranging from familial and interpersonal relationships to parenting challenges. Call operators not only lend a sympathetic ear, but also provide informed guidance, offering a fresh perspective on their issues and teaching basic relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.

The hotline provides an outlet to address early signs of mental health problems. Some people may find it cumbersome to visit a psychological clinic, so the hotline offers them a chance to vent and seek guidance.

Experts believe that the hotline will play a crucial role in improving access to mental health services and reducing stigma. With more efforts to train additional counselors and serve less-developed regions, the hotline has the potential to make a significant impact on the mental well-being of the Chinese population.