Going through depression can feel like the loneliest place in the world, especially when you live in hectic Beijing. For many, they are living alone here fresh off the boat from overseas, without sufficient support system; While others, going through significant life changes without having a space to check in with themselves, like a divorce, or major job loss. The stigma around mental health here in China means people often don’t feel like sharing what they are going through with their colleagues, friends or even family and it can be difficult to find a safe space to talk freely about difficult emotions.

In response, in Oct 2015, CandleX started the English speaking Bi-Weekly Mental Health Peer Support Group in Beijing. The group runs on 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of each month, facilitated by CandleX. It gives participants a chance to talk about their experiences in a safe, empowering environment where peers share their struggles and stories.

To date (April 2017), the peer support group has been going for 1.5 years. At the 1 Year anniversary of the support group, we started a review of this group in Aug 2016, looking at the outcome of the group, participants’ dynamics, and significant cases.

Our purpose is to provide better support.

From Nov 2016- Jan 2017, we’ve released 8 info graphics of our project review, based on a 23-page report our research advisor produced. We want to give special thanks to Sally Souraya, an occupational therapist and mental health professional from Lebanon, who generously donated her time and expertise.

Now to get all of our review information in one place, we have compiled this Peer Support Group Review to look at the demographics of participants, how the support group has helped them and areas for improvement. 

If you are still reading, we have a few requests:

1.If you are currently going through depression or severe anxiety, it’s tough. We know it. So come join us and let’s do this together. Please see our support group poster at the end for registration (through scanning our QR code on the poster)

2.If you are a counselor, please write to us. We receive requests every now and then asking for information on high quality, affordable services in town. We need to know who you are.

3.If you are media, please help us to spread the word. There are people in the dark who need this kind of support, now! Contact us and we’ll let you know what more projects on depression we have. 

Note: we’ve changed our contact email box to: info@candlex.cn. Email us, join us, and be part of the positive change to people in need.