A report released by Beijing's municipal health bureau says over 600 thousand residents over the age of 15 have suffered or are suffering from depression.
   
The survey shows most of the depressed people come from unstable families, some have suffered from domestic violence. They are typically unemployed and short of financial ability.
   
The survey also found that about 100 thousand university students in the city suffer from depression. The pressures of studying hard and finding a job, or even disappointment in romantic affairs have made them depressed.
   
To help those patients, some hospitals in the capital have opened help lines, such as the Huilongguan Hospital in Changping District (62716286), or Beijing Anzhen Hospital (62013330).
   
In addition, the city's first toll-free suicide help line has been launched in the Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center. The telephone number is 8008101117 (24-hour service).

(CRI August 30, 2005)