A young woman from Henan province, identified as Li, has suffered a catastrophic psychological breakdown following a reprimand from her supervisor, leading to a condition described as catatonic stupor. This alarming incident highlights the severe mental health challenges faced by employees in high-pressure work environments in China.
According to the South China Morning Post, Li’s emotional decline began a month ago after being scolded by her team leader, which triggered profound distress. As her mental health deteriorated, she ceased eating, drinking, and even moving, becoming unresponsive to those around her. Family members reported that Li’s condition had reached a point where her head would hang limply when her pillow was removed, indicating a severe loss of physical ability.
Dr. Jia Dehuan, Li’s physician at Zhengzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, characterized her state as resembling a “wooden” figure, devoid of movement or responsiveness. He explained that Li was experiencing a catatonic stupor, a severe symptom of depression often resulting from intense emotional trauma or stress. This condition involves immobilization, unresponsiveness, and withdrawal from reality, which can be exacerbated by personal predispositions, such as Li’s introverted nature.
Under Dr. Jia’s care, Li received treatment aimed at helping her recover from this critical condition. The incident has ignited widespread concern on mainland Chinese social media platforms, where users expressed shock, sympathy, and outrage over the mental health implications of workplace bullying. Comments highlighted the need for better workplace conditions, with one user stating, “If your job is too demanding, it’s better to leave rather than suffer in silence,” while another lamented, “She had been torturing herself due to her boss’s actions.”
The disturbing case comes against a backdrop of troubling statistics regarding workplace mental health in China. A recent survey conducted by the Chinese Psychological Society revealed that 4.8% of employees reported suffering from workplace depression, while 80% experienced feelings of agitation at work. Additionally, 60% reported anxiety, and nearly 40% exhibited depressive symptoms, underscoring a pressing mental health crisis exacerbated by high work demands, limited job security, and poor work-life balance.
Li’s story serves as a critical reminder of the need for greater awareness and action regarding mental health in the workplace, particularly in environments that demand excessively high performance from employees. As discussions continue on social media and in professional circles, advocates are calling for improved mental health resources and better workplace policies to protect employees from the devastating effects of stress and bullying.
Sources By Agencies
