Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has garnered significant media attention due to her recent health crises and troubling allegations against her employer. Recently, Zhao revealed on social media platforms her struggles with severe depression and dissociative disorder, which have led to troubling symptoms, including periods of being unable to speak and actual inability to walk, prompting her hospitalization. Given the relentless pressure faced by celebrities, her situation has ignited public discourse about mental health and workplace safety.
At only 26 years old, Zhao Lusi’s experience is alarming yet not entirely unique within the entertainment industry. Often characterized by high-pressure environments, this field can take a severe toll on mental health, leading to dire physical consequences. Medical professionals, including family medicine expert Lin Qinggu, have pointed out the deep connections between psychological conditions and physical health problems. Lin mentions, "Dissociative disorder, which Zhao has been diagnosed with, can strip away important aspects of mental functioning, leaving behind debilitating physical manifestations such as frequent vomiting, dizziness, and joint pain." This descent has been linked to Zhao's long-standing experience with stress and trauma.
Zhao's situation worsened when she was reportedly assaulted by her employer, which compounded her mental health issues. Her public admission stated, "I often thought I was too sensitive and didn’t address my mental health needs, which led to this point". Her revelations came not just as personal confessions but as cries for greater awareness about mental health struggles faced by many, particularly those under constant scrutiny.
Born and raised under difficult circumstances, Zhao had developed habits of internalizing stress and viewing herself as responsible for everything going wrong. This mindset was long catalyzed by past trauma, which worsened as she faced continued hardships, including overwhelming work demands and multiple emotional traumas, such as the loss of close family members. She previously stated, "You are taught to find blame within yourself and never reach out for help, which kept me silent about my pain for far too long." This silence has had severe repercussions, leading to her serious health issues.
Friends and colleagues have publicly rallied around Zhao during this troubled period, including renowned actress Zeng Li, who was seen caring for her during her rehabilitation recovery. Zeng expressed support and reassurance, reflecting the emotional and professional bonds formed within the industry. Their touching connection has touched fans and followers, demonstrating the importance of camaraderie and support during times of personal crisis.
The wider public and medical professionals have urged anyone suffering from mental health issues to seek help. Lin Qinggu emphasized, "Mental health problems are not merely emotional difficulties; they can manifest physically, leading to chronic ailments and conditions. Timely intervention, professional help, and supportive environments are key to healing."
Despite the alarming nature of her health conditions, there might be hope as Zhao has begun rehabilitation and is learning to prioritize her mental health moving forward. She shared, "It’s necessary to not only cope but also to understand your mental struggles. Help is out there, and it’s okay to ask for it."
Zhao's story sheds light on the increasingly discussed intersections between mental health and work-related stresses. It serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and seeking help early instead of shouldering burdens alone. This acknowledgment is especially poignant within entertainment, where pressures magnify and can result in severe personal consequences.
Through her experience, Zhao Lusi has prompted important conversations about the realities faced by many under immense pressure to perform, illustrating the urgent need for societal change around mental health support. Only with open dialogues and structural protections can the toll of such stressors be alleviated—for individuals like Zhao and countless others.