仅次于癌症的“第二杀手”，在沉默地肆虐

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the severe mental health crisis in China, particularly focusing on the prevalence of depression, which affects approximately 95 million people, indicating a significant public health issue that requires urgent attention [1][5][19]. Group 1: Prevalence of Depression - Approximately 95 million people in China suffer from depression, with an annual suicide rate of about 280,000, of which 40% are depressed individuals [5][19]. - The adult depression risk detection rate in China is 10.6%, with a specific depression rate of 3.4% [5][19]. - Only 36% of the population considers their mental health to be good, reflecting a widespread issue [5][19]. Group 2: Regional Disparities - There are significant regional differences in the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders across China, influenced by economic conditions, accessibility to medical services, cultural backgrounds, and social environments [9][10][11]. - Hong Kong has the highest depression rate, with 3,431.7 cases per 100,000 people, while Tianjin has the lowest at 2,341.3 cases per 100,000 [9][10]. Group 3: Mental Health Service Gaps - As of the end of 2021, there were only 64,000 psychiatrists in mainland China, representing just 1.49% of the total number of physicians, leading to a doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,487 [20][24]. - Mental health resources are concentrated in major cities, with a significant shortage in rural areas, where access to care is limited [21][24]. - The cost of psychological services is a major barrier, with 68.89% of respondents citing economic costs as a hindrance to seeking treatment [26][33]. Group 4: Government Initiatives - The government is taking steps to address the mental health crisis, including the establishment of a 24-hour psychological assistance hotline and mandates for schools to employ dedicated psychological staff [33][34]. - There are plans for mental health services to be expanded in counties based on population size, indicating a proactive approach to improving mental health care accessibility [33][34].