When the phone rings at midnight, a pulse quickens on the other end of the line. But for many callers, Hotline 12356 has become a lifeline. Launched on January 1, 2025, this nationwide mental health assistance service is operated by the Chinese mainland's National Health Commission (NHC) to provide 24/7 psychological support and crisis intervention.
By May 1, 2025, all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities had flipped the switch on the 12356 network. Since day one, the hotline has answered over half a million calls, according to China Youth Daily.
“Most of our calls are related to depression and anxiety,” says Shao Xiao, a psychotherapist at Beijing Anding Hospital and a night-shift operator on the hotline. “Younger callers often feel overwhelmed by study or work pressures, while older adults struggle with loneliness or parents worry about their children’s mental health.”
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 54 million people in the Chinese mainland live with depression and about 41 million with anxiety disorders—a significant share of the region’s 1.4 billion population.
As the Chinese mainland ramps up pediatric and mental health services through 2027, hotlines like 12356 are more than just numbers—they’re a bridge toward healing. This October 10 on World Mental Health Day, remember: reaching out is a sign of strength.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
