Actress Zhao Lusi Opens Up About Mental Health Struggle and Aphasia Diagnosis

In a heartfelt post on her personal Weibo account on January 1, Chinese actress Zhao Lusi revealed her ongoing battle with mental health issues and her recent hospitalization due to aphasia. This condition has sparked widespread concern among fans and the public.

Zhao, known for her roles in popular dramas such as The Romance of Tiger and Rose and Who Rules the World, shared a detailed account of her struggles over the past few years. She disclosed that she first experienced depressive symptoms in 2019 but dismissed them, believing she was being overly sensitive. By 2021, she began experiencing physical symptoms, including a sensation of insects crawling on her skin and severe allergies, which led her to seek psychological treatment.

The actress described 2023 as an especially challenging year, during which she faced a series of health issues, including pneumonia, emphysema, and neurological deafness, alongside the emotional toll of losing a loved one and learning of a cancer diagnosis in her family. Despite these hardships, Zhao admitted she continued to neglect her mental health, prioritizing external events over her well-being.

In 2024, her condition worsened, with frequent nausea, dizziness, joint pain, and worsening allergies. Initially attributing these symptoms to the side effects of medication, Zhao eventually realized the severity of her situation. She emphasized that depression is not merely a mood but a serious illness that cannot be resolved by simply “thinking positively” or “talking it out.”

Zhao expressed her hope that sharing her story would raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking professional help. “In such circumstances, whether you are truly ‘understood’ no longer matters. What’s important is to understand mental illness and prioritize psychological treatment,” she wrote.

Her candid post quickly topped the trending list on Weibo, garnering an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities. Zhao’s agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, also issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to her well-being and urging the public to respect her need for privacy and recovery.

Zhao’s revelation comes after rumors of her hospitalization circulated online, with reports claiming she was seen in a wheelchair in a hospital emergency room. Her studio had previously confirmed on December 27 that she was undergoing treatment and would be taking a break from all work commitments to focus on her health.

Despite her struggles, Zhao remains optimistic. In a recent social media update, she shared photos of herself learning to walk again and maintaining a positive attitude, even while facing significant physical challenges.

Zhao Lusi’s bravery in speaking out about her mental health journey has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of mental health care in China, where stigma around psychological issues remains prevalent. Her story serves as a reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and professional support for those battling mental illness.

Fans and colleagues rally behind her as she continues her recovery, wishing her a swift and full recovery.