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 depression, which affects approximately 95 million people, indicating a significant public health issue that requires urgent attention [4][5][6]. Group 1: Prevalence of Depression - About 10% of adults in China face depression risk, with a specific prevalence rate of 3.4% for diagnosed depression [5][6]. - The World Health Organization reports that globally, around 1 billion people suffer from mental disorders, with suicide occurring every 40 seconds, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries [5]. - In China, approximately 280,000 suicides occur annually, with 40% of these individuals suffering from depression [5]. Group 2: Regional Disparities - A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals significant regional differences in depression rates across China, with Hong Kong having the highest rate at 3,431.7 per 100,000 people, while Tianjin has the lowest at 2,341.3 per 100,000 [8]. - Factors influencing these disparities include regional economic conditions, accessibility to medical services, cultural backgrounds, and social environments [8]. 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 for depression patients [17][19]. - Mental health resources are concentrated in major cities, with a significant shortage of services in rural areas [17]. - The number of qualified psychological therapists is extremely low, with fewer than 10,000 passing the national certification exam, and only about 5,000 registered psychologists [19]. Group 4: Economic Barriers to Access - The high cost of psychological services is a major barrier, with 68.89% of respondents in a survey citing economic factors as a hindrance to seeking help [21][26]. - Online platforms show a wide range of consultation fees, from around 300 yuan per hour to 2,000 yuan for expert-level therapists, making it financially challenging for many patients [21][25]. Group 5: 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 counselors [27]. - Initiatives aim to shift from merely treating existing conditions to preventing mental health issues, reflecting a broader commitment to improving public mental health [27].