A young woman in China, identified as Li from Henan province, suffered a severe psychological breakdown after being reprimanded by her supervisor, leading her into a state of catatonia. According to South China Morning Post, Li’s symptoms began a month after the incident, during which she reportedly stopped eating, drinking, moving, or communicating entirely. Her emotional shutdown eventually affected her physical state, causing a total lack of responsiveness and motor control. As her condition worsened, her family noticed she was unable to hold her head upright if her pillow was removed, and she lost control over basic bodily functions, requiring assistance for daily activities.

Dr. Jia Dehuan, her physician at Zhengzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, diagnosed her condition as catatonic stupor, a severe symptom of depression characterized by immobilization, unresponsiveness, and disconnection from reality. Dr. Jia explained that intense emotional trauma or stress often triggers such extreme depression, which results in severe withdrawal from reality. Li’s introverted nature and difficulties in communicating her feelings likely exacerbated her breakdown, according to Dr. Jia. Under his care, Li has started receiving treatment aimed at gradually restoring her physical and mental wellbeing.

The incident has sparked widespread attention and debate on Chinese social media. Many people expressed sympathy and concern, while others voiced anger over the negative impact of workplace stress and bullying. “If your job is too demanding, it’s better to leave rather than suffer in silence,” commented one user, highlighting the mental health risks associated with highly stressful work environments. Another user observed, “She had been torturing herself due to her boss’s actions,” underscoring the role of workplace dynamics in mental health struggles.

A recent study by the Chinese Psychological Society highlights the mental health crisis in Chinese workplaces, revealing that nearly 5% of employees suffer from depression while 80% report feelings of agitation at work. Additionally, 60% experience anxiety, and around 40% show depressive symptoms, according to Shangguan News (2023). High job demands, limited job security, and poor work-life balance are among the major contributors, indicating an urgent need to address mental health in the workplace.

Reference:

1. “Chinese Woman, Scolded at Work, Stops Eating, Needs Reminders to Use Toilet.” South China Morning Post, October 27, 2024. https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3283564/chinese-woman-scolded-work-stops-eating-needs-reminders-use-toilet.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)