Nine university students in Beijing committed suicide this year so far, compared to 19 in 2004 and 15 in 2005. Sixty percent of the cases were related to depression, schizophrenia and other mental anxieties.

 

Students who have mental problems usually keep them to themselves rather than seek help. "I don't think it's necessary to speak up. Nobody can help me but myself," is a common pattern of thinking among these students. What's more, many are ashamed to confess that they have problems, afraid of affecting their social relationships, further study and jobs in the future.

 

"Though depression is as common as catching a cold in western countries, here in China, it's twisted. If students can address their problems as early as possible, then can be helped better in case it gets severe," Professor Tang Denghua from Peking University's Institute of Mental Health said.

 

"There are three reasons that cause students to feel depressed: social life such as pressures from study, job and love affairs, physical ailments, mostly related to personal character, and biological makeup," he added.

 

One girl named Zhang Qing from a famous university became blue over something as simple as her acne.

 

About 300 to 500 students are depressed out of every 10,000 students every year in China. 

 

(CRI November 27, 2006)