Despair drives many to suicides
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E-mail China Daily, February 27, 2013
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A patient uses embroidery as part of the treatment for her illness at the hospital, which has treated more than 6,000 depressed patients during the past four years. [Photo/China Daily] |
![A patient uses embroidery as part of the treatment for her illness at the hospital, which has treated more than 6,000 depressed patients during the past four years. [Photo/China Daily]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20130227/001372acd0b51297ee3206.jpg "A patient uses embroidery as part of the treatment for her illness at the hospital, which has treated more than 6,000 depressed patients during the past four years. [Photo/China Daily]")
For example, patients with knowledge of makeup are encouraged to use their skills on the doctors and nurses, while those who play instruments are guaranteed to find an audience for their musical talents.
One woman in her 20s, who attempted suicide by cutting her wrists, refused to listen to anyone when she was first hospitalized. Her depression stemmed from the difficulties she had encountered in finding a job and which resulted in the belief that she was a burden on others.
"Through conversation we discovered that she was a very talented artist, so we suggested that she should draw pictures on the zone's blackboard," said Yao. "Through a combination of praise from a large number of people and the effects of the medicine, she gradually got her confidence back."
The woman has now left the hospital and leads a normal life, but also serves as a volunteer for other patients at the zone.
"In 2012, more than 1,400 patients with depression were admitted to Nanjing Brain Hospital," said Yao. "Although it required the staff to develop higher skill levels, the one-on-one treatment has proved very effective."
Zhang said, "Living in a hospital with a relaxing environment may ameliorate the tensions between the families and the patients, many of whom were straitjacketed and sent to hospital by force. However, ensuring the safety of patients when they are allowed to leave remains a problem."
He suggested that greater public awareness and understanding of depression, allied to government support, early diagnosis and treatment and the adoption of Western psychological principles are of prime importance if the situation facing depressed patients in China is to improve.
"The government, the medical departments and the public have a long way to go," he said. "In China, there's still a great deal to be done."
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