Historical Context

Historical Perceptions of Mental Illness

The earliest mentions of mental illnesses go as far back as 400 B.C. in Greece, while China didn't start documenting them until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Back then, people didn't really understand mental health, so those suffering from it were often thought to be possessed by demons. In Chinese culture, they believed emotional outbursts could attract spirits or ghosts, causing mental illness. This led to discrimination against those struggling with mental health issues when they first appeared.

Progress Made through Time

In 1949, with the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country began to focus more on mental health care, leading to the construction of mental hospitals in every province. Prior to that, China was primarily engulfed in war, leaving little room for personal wellness concerns. However, after the establishment of the new nation, there was a significant rise in the training of psychiatrists. Additionally, schools started to emphasize the importance of mental health awareness among their students. Schools started to introduce health classes, where students began to learn not just about physical health, but also gained more knowledge on mental health.

In 1987, China tackled a big problem: the rise in violent crimes tied to the lack of mental health care. The government stepped up, introducing new mental health policies. They rolled out a detailed plan, the "Chinese Mental Health Workplan," which got financial and political backing. This wasn't just talk; real action followed. Schools of all levels got on board, teaching kids about mental health and even bringing in psychiatrists to help out.

But it wasn't just the government fighting the good fight against mental health stigma. The fight went digital, too, with the National Mental Health Workplan spreading solid, reliable info about mental health on social media. This effort made a dent, helping more people understand and accept mental illnesses. Yet, there's still a way to go. Despite progress, many still unfairly view those with mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, with fear and misunderstanding.