Hotline offers solace to those in distress

12356 to be made available nationwide after trial launch proves successful

When clinical psychologist Meng Fanqiang answered a call to the newly launched national mental health support hotline in late January, the caller struggled to articulate her thoughts and could only weep.

Through fragmented words, the woman in her late 20s managed to tell Meng she had recently lost her job, ended a relationship and was overwhelmed with distress, blaming herself for all her misfortunes.

"I began by offering relaxation tips to help her calm down and focus on my suggestions. I reassured her that her pain and distress were valid and it would take time to work through these emotions," he said. "I also emphasized that none of those negative experiences were her fault."