In the Chinese city of Qinhuangdao, an unusual medical facility was opened – “Clinic for those who do not want to go to work.” Its purpose is to help people who suffer from professional burnout, emotional exhaustion, increased anxiety, or find their work meaningless. About this informs South China Morning Post.
This new field of outpatient care was created on the basis of the Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei Province. The idea of the clinic arose on the basis of the previous project – “Clinics for those who do not want to go to school”, which was founded to support children with emotional difficulties and academic load. It was the parents who contacted this children’s clinic who suggested creating a similar service for adults.
“Earlier, when parents came with their children to our “school” clinic, many asked: “Is there something similar for adults? We don’t want to go to work either. – said the director of the sleep and psychology department of the hospital, Yue Liming, who heads the new medical institution.
She notes that the clinic’s specialists support people with chronic fatigue, emotional instability or loss of motivation to work. At the same time, avoiding terms like “anxiety disorder” or “depression” is a conscious step to reduce the stigmatization of patients.
“We deliberately chose this name – so that patients are not afraid to take the first step and seek help. Behind superficial symptoms, there are often complex psychological or social reasons. Our task is to identify them, conduct an assessment of the condition, make an accurate diagnosis and provide individual treatment.”, – explains Yue.
The diagnostic process includes a consultation with the patient and a physical examination to rule out physical causes such as hyperthyroidism. After that, doctors develop a personalized therapeutic plan.
