Chinese actress Zhao Lusi shares struggle with depression: ‘I hid it out of fear of disappointing others’

Speaking with Global Times on Friday, Zhao said she has completed one month of a four-month treatment program and is seeing progress.

Zhao first experienced symptoms years ago but ignored them, afraid that acknowledging her struggles might let down her family, friends, and fans. Her untreated condition worsened over time, eventually leading to dissociative disorder, a mental health condition marked by a disconnection from thoughts, emotions, and identity.

Despite her struggles, Zhao maintained an intense work schedule, worried she would be labeled "lazy or unprofessional."

After seeking professional help and opening up about her condition, Zhao said she no longer feels overwhelmed by it. She has since taken up hobbies like playing music and painting, opened a bakery, and engaged in charity work, which she says have helped her regain positivity.

On Jan. 1, Zhao revealed on her personal social media account that she once experienced both physical and mental exhaustion, with her weight dropping below 38 kg. She admitted to battling depression since 2019 but confessed she had not taken her mental health seriously at the time.

Her condition deteriorated in 2021, when she experienced sensations of needles or insects crawling on her skin, accompanied by allergic reactions. Despite seeking medical advice and receiving injections, her symptoms persisted. Eventually, Zhao turned to psychological therapy and began treatment to alleviate her stress.

In the following years, her health worsened further, suffering from ailments including pneumonia, pneumothorax, hives, night sweats, and episodes of waking up in terror. In 2024, she battled symptoms like dry vomiting, dizziness, joint and neck pain, and frequent allergic reactions.

In response to Zhao’s and her friend’s accounts, a representative from her management company stated that they have been working alongside the actress to address her challenges. The representative added: "We sincerely apologize for shortcomings in our work and are reviewing these issues."

Zhao, 27, began her acting career in 2017 and has gained fame through roles in popular drama series such as "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," "Dating in the Kitchen," "Love Better Than Immortality," "Love Like the Galaxy," and "Hidden Love."