Feeling overwhelmed? Hotline 12356 is here day and night. Operated by the Chinese mainland's National Health Commission, this free service launched on Jan 1, 2025 and covered all 31 regions by May 1. 🌍✨
Here's who's calling in:
- Young people stressed by exams or work pressures 🎓💼
- Parents worried about their kids' mental health 👶❤️
- Adults feeling lonely or overwhelmed 😔🌃
So far, more than 500,000 chats have been handled—proof that talking really does help! 🙌
On the night shift in Beijing, psychotherapist Shao Xiao says, 'Most calls are about depression and anxiety—we break down these big terms into everyday feelings: sadness, worry or feeling stuck.' That friendly, jargon-free approach makes a big difference for callers.
Mark Oct 10 on your calendar: it's World Mental Health Day, a global reminder that looking after your mind is as important as hitting the gym or tracking your steps. 🧠❤️
Need someone to talk to? Save these digits: 12356—real help is just a call away. 📲
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
