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Did you know that more than 970 million people globally are living with a mental health disorder? Or that approximately 1-in-7 people have at least one mental health or substance use disorder? That means 20% of children and young people are impacted by mental health diseases. More so, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 30% of non-fatal disease burden worldwide is attributed to mental illness. While these numbers are a sobering reminder of the difficulties that many people face, the Psychology Center at New Hope Oncology Center can support those suffering from diagnosed mental conditions, as well as people dealing with day-to-day struggles. We spoke with these medical physicians whom provided some insight on the issues people living in Beijing may face and how the staff at the Psychology Center can help.![]()
How can someone tell if a person suffers from mental health problems? What are the signs and symptoms?
When a person, particularly someone you interact with regularly, begins to behave in ways that are atypical or unusual. These signs can be subtle though. This person may become more isolated, they may talk less or talk a lot more and not hear others. Eating less or a lot more, looking tired, saying things that the person may not normally say – these can be signs that the person is experiencing depressive symptoms. Other more noticeable signs may include 1) no longer having an interest in activities or pleasures; 2) seeming anxious and agitated most of the time; 3) changing sleep patterns; 4) increased alcohol and drug use; 5) becoming more absent from work or school; 6) expressing a strong sense of hopelessness and self-worthlessness; and 7) talking about death and suicide.
There are no absolute signs, and any one of these signs can also signal events that are not directly related to mental illness (e.g. medical problems). If you are unsure, you can always ask “You seem down (or different) lately. How are things in your life right now?
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What can I do to show my support to a friend or family member who suffers from mental health issues?
You can help your friend or family member by expressing your concern and support, such as asking questions, listening to their thoughts and feelings, and being responsive. Remind your friend or family member that help is available and that mental health problems are common and can be treated. DO NOT judge or discriminate. The fact is that everyone may suffer from mental health disorders at different stages of their life. Advise them to seek professional help. Seek immediate professional help if you think your friend or family member is in danger of harming him or herself, or others.
Why is mental health so important?Just as physical health is important to living a meaningful, fulfilling life, mental health is important for living a quality life. One can be financially stable, but if there is not the mental health to enjoy what one has and one’s relationships, then life can feel meaningless. Mental health allows people to partake in and appreciate this great gift of life.
According to the World Health Organization, mental illness has become the leading cause of disability in the world; by 2030, suicide will rise to the #1 cause of death in the world, surpassing heart attack. These statistics provide alarming data on the importance of mental health.
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What does a psychologist do to help someone with suicidal intention?A psychologist first assesses the suicidal intention and the presence of risk factors for completing suicides. For example, the psychologist may inquire whether or not the person has a specific plan for carrying out the action or the means to carry out the plan. The psychologist will also examine the factors such as any previous attempts, the presence of self-harming behavior, or a history of mental illness and suicide in one’s family. Next, a psychologist will convey that there is more than one solution to the person’s difficulties. The psychologist may help the person become more open to the possibility that there are alternatives to change one’s current life outlook.
In your experience, what is your view on the most common mental health issues among expats in China?The most common mental health issues among expats include mood disorders, adjustment disorders, alcohol abuse or dependency, and family and marital relationship problems. Most expats whom suffer from depression and anxiety while living in China have a previous history of a mood disorder, which may or may not be clinically diagnosed or treated in their home country. Moving to a foreign country with a significantly different environment may increase the risk of having a relapse. Others may develop a mood disorder. Stress related to a new job, a new school, and lacking an established family and social network may make people feel lonely and emotionally vulnerable. Adjusting can be more difficult for some more than for others. Many expats use “social drinking” as the primary way to make friends and cope with stress. But as time goes on, drinking becomes more problematic. Despite the fact that living an expat life provides the excitement of experiencing different cultures, living in China can also be challenging for families. The expat’s job may require longer working hours and frequent travels that naturally reduce the time with family and children. This may strain family relationships. Children of expat families can have difficulty adjusting to their new schools with different curriculum, new social groups, and cultural conflicts. These issues are particularly more challenging to teenagers as they go through their important development of self-identity and independence.
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Is there anything you would like people to know about the services you provide?At the Pyschology Center at New Hope Oncology Center, we provide a full range of services for mental health. There are two sub-specialties: psychiatric service and psychological service. Psychiatric service is provided by medically licensed psychiatrists who evaluate and diagnose mental disorders and prescribe medications as the primary treatment. Psychological service is provided by licensed psychologists and counselors who were specially trained to help people with any issues related to mental health, not only people with mental health disorders. These issues can range from mood disorders to adjustment challenges, child developmental delays to learning disabilities, social difficulties to marital problems, somatic symptoms to personality issues, self-growth pains to stress management. Our psychological service includes individual, couple, family, and group therapy. The typical frequency of therapy is once a week and the length of treatment can vary from a couple of weeks to several years, depending on the individual situation. We treat all of our clients with respect and compassion, regardless of the addressed issues. Our mission is to promote psychological health and enhance quality of life.
If you are interested in learning more about the services provided at the Pyschology Center or wish to make an appointment with a specialist, please call (010) 5927 7067.
1. IHME, Global Burden of Disease.2. The World Bank. Mental Health. Updated on 3 Apr 2019.Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/mental-health![]()
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The team at the Psychology Center at New Hope Oncology Center is made up of highly trained, licensed professionals with expertise in treating patients of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds. They can provide consultation, assessment, and treatment for mood disorders, relationship and parenting issues, loss and bereavement concerns, or educational and developmental needs. For questions or to make an appointment, please call (010) 5927 7067.
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