Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, renowned for her roles in Hidden Love, Love Like the Galaxy, and The Story of Pearl Girl, recently shared her personal battle with depression in an exclusive interview with the Global Times, a Beijing-based daily newspaper. Her candid revelation has sparked widespread public discussion and shed light on the struggles faced by individuals battling mental health issues.
Zhao, 26, revealed that her journey with depression began years ago but was long ignored due to her desire to meet the expectations of her family, friends, and fans. Despite experiencing symptoms such as anxiety and dissociative disorders, she pushed herself to maintain a demanding work schedule, relying on sleep aids to cope.
“I had an inner fear of being seen as not working hard enough,” Zhao said, explaining that this pressure drove her to seldom take breaks, exacerbating her condition.
The prolonged suppression of her emotions eventually led to dissociative disorders, impacting her mental health and causing neurological damage.
After seeking treatment, Zhao shared that her condition has significantly improved. Her doctors have reported a notable recovery from her dissociative symptoms, and she now feels a renewed sense of normalcy in her life.
Currently undergoing a three- to four-month course of treatment to regulate hormone levels, Zhao has also embraced self-help methods. Hobbies such as visiting coffee shops, running a dessert shop, playing music, and painting have brought her solace and aided her recovery.
“I sought out everything that could provide me with mental support,” she told the Global Times. “Don’t let yourself be trapped in physical pain or mental confinement.”
Zhao’s experience has inspired her to advocate for mental health awareness and combat the stigmatization of depression. She called for an end to trivializing the condition, noting that depression should not be seen as an excuse for shirking responsibilities or incomprehensible behavior.
“Patients with depression can still work, as I have proven,” she said, adding that she sees her heightened sensitivity as both a gift and a burden.
Her recovery has also inspired her to engage in philanthropy, supporting vulnerable groups as a way to find purpose and healing. “These experiences have been like a ray of sunshine, illuminating and healing my heart,” Zhao explained.
In her interview, Zhao encouraged those battling depression to actively seek treatment, engage in social activities, and avoid isolation. “Depression is not something to be feared. Once you understand it, you’ll find it’s not as scary as it seems,” she said, urging others to approach the illness with a positive mindset.
Looking back on her darkest moments, Zhao described her recovery as a “rebirth” and emphasized the value of the support and encouragement she has received. “I hope to use my strength to help as many people as I can, especially those struggling with mental health issues.”
Zhao confirmed to the Global Times that she will make a public appearance on Saturday, aiming to reassure her supporters that their concern has been a source of strength and warmth for her.
