2020 has been an unusual and challenging time for the world: with the rampant coronavirus and many natural disasters, this period of uncertainty and turbulence has magnified many people’s sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, loneliness as well as many other emotions. This year has been a challenge for us all, especially for families with children and students. All of a sudden, the familiar steps and rhythms of life broke for many of us. “Misfortune, that is where happiness de

BEIJING – On January 4, 2020, David Schmidt (pictured below), an advocate for mental health and a passionate supporter of CandleX, passed away. Throughout his life, David traveled around the world and spent many years in China. In 2019, Xiaojie visited David in Tecumseh, Michigan, USA, and seized on the chance to ask David’s brother, Don, about his personal experience caring for and supporting David when he was suffering from depression. You can watch the full interview here.

For the last two years, the Mental Health CandleX Wechat group has provided a safe and supportive space for deep and meaningful conversations about anxiety, depression and other mental health issues that can sometimes be uncomfortable to talk about in daily life. The group is made up of an exciting fusion of psychologists, media professionals, community leaders and other people motivated by a commitment to help either themselves or loved ones overcome their difficulties. Toge

CandleX Mental Health Support Group 5th Anniversary

I woke up in a hotel bed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, checked my phone. There it is, on my screen My breath was gone for a second. The next thing I knew, I burst into tears. My head went blank, an overwhelming amount of sadness and shock came over. I was in disbelief but I also knew it’s true. Actually, it wasn’t a surprise. David was diagnosed with cancer a few months back and I learned about it accidently while visiting him in his home of Tecumsch, Michigan, the USA. I was conc

In light of raising awareness on World Mental Health Day 2020 today, we interviewed Michael, whose name has been changed as he preferred to remain anonymous, a volunteer from AA in Beijing, about his experiences with alcoholism and recovery. Our interviewer Alison Qiu is from our Teens’ learning group as well as our Teen Writers’ Club. She is a Chinese high school student studying in the US. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who help on