In June 2015, Xiaojie Qin, Founder of CandleX, spoke about the uncomfortable, sensitive topic of depression on a national television program: CCTV: China Insight. CandleX is honored to be the voice of millions of people who due to the stigma associated with mental illness are going through the darkest and most difficult times of their life in silence. The episode was aired on CCTV news in August 2015. Watch Xiaojie speak on China Insight, as she opens up about her own experiences with depression and bipolar disorder. Mao Ai Zhen, the founder of Shang Shan Foundation, shares her stories about mental illness within the family and the public reaction to it. Around the world, there are thousands of people joining hands to raise awareness about mental illness. Many of those affected by mental illness are high achieving individuals that have made significant contributions to the development of our society. For CandleX, they are the inspirations and source of strength. “I really like Elyn Saks ( Associate Dean and Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California Gould Law School, an expert in mental health law and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship winner)”, Xiaojie says. “She is speaking out about her own mental struggle with schizophrenia and has brought so much power to so many others and enabled them to do the same. If we all speak about it, we will not only help to create a world free of stigma, but fill our hearts with wisdom and light.” In order to be part of the community and reduce ignorance, and social stigma about depression and bi-polar disorder, CandleX actively engages with media, including national TV channels, newspapers, and magazines. We believe that talking about it is the most effective way to learn and heal. And we also believe that bringing light to the community about mental illness can change how people see others suffering with mental illness. For the full video, please watch here CCTV(CGTV) webpage. starting from 12mins and 23 seconds We are open for interviews either on camera or off camera about raising the awareness of depression and bi-polar. To get a hold of us for interviews, please contact us via email: info@candlex.cn We’d like to introduce the Shang Shan Foundation, they are fighting the stigma of mental illness and educating the public about mental illness. Founder Mao Ai Zhen's efforts in spreading knowledge of depression include creating a handbook that details the causes and symptoms of depression. #depression #bipolar #beijing #mentalhealth

On the 7th of April 2017, China’s major national English news channel – China Global Television Network aired a two minute segment to celebrate World Health Day. CGTN is formerly known as CCTV English International and is a widely-known 24-hour English News channel of CCTV, based in Beijing. Watch the full segment here (if in China) here (if not in China) An article, “World Health Day Raises Awareness for Depression” was featured on the CGTN’s website as well. The interview featured Dr. Bernhard Schwartlander, the World Health Organization’s Representative to China; the Founder of CandleX – Qin Xiaojie; and a student from China’s top university affected by depression. The World Health Organization (WHO), which is the main sponsor of this annual project, chose depression as the theme of this year’s World Health Day. According to Dr. Bernhard Schwartlander, this issue was selected for it being very close to many people’s hearts. As CandleX aims to help people, who may still be in the darkness and unable to get professional help, it was an important element of the news segment. Xiaojie spoke about the psychological difficulties many Chinese people experience. More often than not the society is not very supportive of public displays of emotion. Therefore, the sufferers of mental disorders tend to internalize and suppress negative emotions. This only leads to further mental distress and severe mental disorders. The news piece also discussed the main symptoms of depression and aimed to shed more light on the disease that is still perceived as taboo in China. The World Health Day this year strives to bring awareness of depression around the world. Alongside big international organizations, such as the WHO, local NGOs, like CandleX are vital actors in both bringing the knowledge to the community and helping the affected individuals. CandleX is a needed social support for many individuals, who are going through depression on their own. CandleX is “trying to provide an inclusive, confidential, and non-judgmental support community”. #depression #mentalhealth #Beijing

People with bipolar disorder Their voices, and faces Why don’t we use art to “talk” about it? Moodlab Project kicked off in September 2016, with the core element of our photoshoot featuring community members whose lives are affected by bipolar disorder. As part of 9 elements, this is the foundation of this project, to use art to create a space for conversation, courage, and community connection and to bring people with bipolar disorder out of the darkness. So we are partnering with Pere Ibanez, who is a famous artist from Spain, to invite people into our studio for a photography session, and to learn their individual stories. 12 months have passed and we have taken the time to connect with the community members. We have currently completed 20 photos and only a few more need to be done before the entire collection will be complete. To date, we have released 5 photos in exhibitions and publications around the world - from the USA and Canada to India and China. It is not just a photoshoot, but a process for the participants to be able to step up and advocate for bipolar disorder. These are people at our dinner table, but with a story that you might not know. Each photo is a symbol that no one should be alone; each photo is a triumph that we all can have a voice, even if it shakes us. With this in mind, we invite you to engage with the pictures and hear the voices from each picture. We encourage you to keep an open mind as you might hear different things from these pictures. Best of Photography 2017 Official Selection by Photographer's Forum and Serbin Press, USA The released photos have been published in art books, magazines, included in various exhibitions, and received international awards for photographic excellence. Each place these photos travel to raises awareness for bipolar disorder. We want to de-stigmatize bipolar disorder, and start a conversation. Moodlab photo on exhibition at LACDA in L.A USA, April 2017 The released photos and future updates can also be found on Pere Ibañez's website . More than just a photoshoot This story is special for us! We received an application from Ugne Mikalajunaite applying to be part of the photoshoot; we received an email from her applying to volunteer for CandleX at the same time. We accepted both applications. Ever since November last year, she's been working on Moodlab bringing more people into the studio, and she also had her own photo taken. This is the power of art, bringing people together, empowering us to be more than a scary diagnosis. This is the spirit of Moodlab project. In September, we will have our 6th photo release. This is going to be her photo! As we wrap up our photoshoot studio phase, now we are entering their personal stories phase. This is a process that will lead to our educational book, with photos, stories and facts about bipolar. This is scheduled to be completed by March 2018. Community Engagement Furthermore, it is important to note that this project is not for us or about us, but for all of the participants, Beijing community, and people beyond it. We hope that the courage and the openness of the models, who are your colleagues, friends, or just passers-by, will inspire you as well. Therefore, it means that we wish to invite you, the community members, in the promotion and community engagement. We encourage you to speak out about mental health in your circles and share the news about our project. This way you will also become a part of the campaign, which in-turn will reach more people, and raise the awareness in China and beyond. If you want to talk to us about being engaged with MoodLaB, reach us at: info@candlex.cn MoodLaB Emotional Wellbeing Workshop at UCCA, Dec 2016 You Can Share and Inspire Social Media Follow. Like. Share and re-share once again. From our WeChat account to the photographer Pere Ibañez's Facebook page, there are plenty of ways. It is the best way to get the latest updates and share the news with your friends on Facebook wall, Instagram feed, or WeChat moment. Be our guest! Speak about it online and offline. Do not be afraid of raising mental health awareness everywhere you are, as that is the best way to reduce the taboo and increase the general knowledge! Fundraising Recently, we have opened an account on Generosity and on Zhongchou to raise funds for the ultimate goal of the Moodlab Project - the Art Book for Bipolar Disorder Education, which will include selected photos, stories of the models, and educational information on bipolar disorder. We would be immensely grateful if you shared the link with your friends to help us get the needed financial resources! At the same time, if you have a WeChat Wallet account, you can directly support us on our platform. #Moodlab #bipolar #Beijing #China #depression

What does bipolar disorder have to do with art, body movement, psychosocial education, or, more directly, your life? We don’t often think of those suffering in silence around us, but mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder – mood swings from hyper and manic activity to depressed states of helplessness – affect more people than we realize. To raise awareness in the community, CandleX, a Beijing based NGO on mental health, created a campaign called MoodlaB, which consists of 9 components aimed at educating the public and expressing the emotional aspects of bipolar disorder through art[QX1] . Ongoing Photoshoot The project started in September 2016, and has since grown and expanded with more partners and volunteers participating. Initially, this project was based on a series of photoshoots by famous photographer Pere Ibañez to showcase how people suffering from Bipolar disorder feel, capturing the essence of such tormented moods. Volunteers were called in from the community, and so far there have been 7 models from different walks and cultures. Two photos have been selected to be showcased at Los Angeles Center for Digital Art (LACDA), with two more upcoming gallery exhibitions in New York, and India. These photos are shown in Chinese media as well, eg. The Beijinger, Jingkids, etc. The photoshoot is ongoing with more community participation and the exhibitions are being arranged in and out of China. Emotional wellbeing workshop Since December 2016, as a component of increasing awareness on the range of human emotions, CandleX has hosted two MoodLab workshops: one at UCCA on Dececember 2016 and one at WCO in MOMA Beijing on March 2017, who sponsored the venue. The workshops were facilitated by several experienced counselors and volunteers working with CandleX. Participants in each workshop came from both from China and abroad. To guarantee the quality of the workshops, a limited number of 25 participants was applied. Participants opened themselves up to a range of emotions through art forms, such as body movement and drawing. CandleX’s technical team lead by Melena, a certified counselor, guided the participants to become aware of how their physical bodies sensed different emotions, and to reflect that in drawings. The workshops went below the surface to identify the emotions that drive our behaviors, and introduced how emotions could range in intensity, from annoyance, to anger, to rage. The participants were also introduced to bipolar disorder and how people affected by it carry on with their lives. Quite a few of the workshop participants are continuing the project through the photoshoots. Interested in participating in such a workshop? Then scan our QR code at the end to follow our events announcement for more information on our next workshop! Psychoeducation In Feb 2017, the third component of psychoeducation was conducted by our partner, My Therapist, a top national platform that focuses on providing high quality psychological services. They have shared the CandleX’s message and MoodLaB photos on their social media platform, expanding our reach. MyTherapist also contributed content through MoodLab and published articles to explore what having bipolar disorder could mean for individuals. We have more coming up, video production, MoodlaB educational art book on bipolar disorder, one model one story, etc, all part of the MoodlaB project. Call for participation With this range of activities, CandleX is empowering individuals to speak up for themselves, to share experience of bipolar challenges, and to engage in self-reflection to better understand our own emotions. This can only be done through consolidating resources and building a wider platform through the support of volunteers and partners. Utmost thanks goes to the team behind CandleX and partnering institutions, organizations, companies, and sponsors, such as Bearapy and Itgetsbrighter. Candle X is still looking for models to participate in the photoshoot. Those interested could apply by scanning this QR code: Stay tuned also for more information on the upcoming Second Anniversary Party, to be held on the 1st of April at Modernista. Those interested in joining and supporting to celebrate the work CandleX has done in these two years – from a few people in a support group to massive public education campaigns. Register by scanning this QR code: For more information, please contact: Ugnė Mikalajūnaitė 于明花 ugne.mikalajunaite@candlex.cn #Moodlab #Beijing #bipolar #depression

This how we feel recently! We may try hard to be humble. But deep down, sometimes we are like this: Throughout the development of Moodlab, our initiative to “Raise Bipolar Awareness via Art,” the photos released through the project have been receiving a lot of international attention during the whole process. Our first exhibition was in Dec 2016 in L.A， and from that point on, it really has just exploded on the internet. We can’t create good art without the soul of a good artist. And this artist published a book with our Moodlab productions! The photographer and our partner, Pere Ibañez, has received a great amount of attention since the release of his book “Syzygy.” Photos are a production of our Moodlab Bipolar Campaign. “Syzygy”, published on December 4, 2017, features the heart-touching photos of fellow members of the community, who have experienced bipolar disorder and depression in their life. This book has already gained recognition from the media, and the public. The book became a top-seller on the iTunes store’s “Art & Entertainment” section on its first week early Dec 2017. Guess who’s second? That Harry Potter one! Pere also became a finalist at the “37th Annual Spring Photography Contest” for his works. The contest was organized by “The Photographer’s Forum” and the finalists’ almanac they released included one of the Moodlab photos – “Behind the Grey Wall”. We are very happy and proud of Pere for this achievement! Listen up, this one is significant! This February 2018, 'Syzygy' received the Open 2018 Juror's Choice Award in DarkRoom Gallery (Vermont), where 'Bad Moon Rising' will be exhibited as well. A preview of half of the photos produced Guess which one is “Behind the Grey Wall?!” and which one is “Bad Moon Rising?!” Lastly, Pere also gave several interviews to the media for this successful book release. For example, one of the interviews appeared on the Nora Gouma magazine website – “Interview with visual artist Pere Ibañez, examines the duality of human nature with his new photo-series”. Another one appeared on the USA Art News website – “Artist Pere Ibañez releases new photography series and book ‘Syzygy’”. Nonetheless, our Moodlab project does not stop here. We are continuing to bring you stories and photographs of the project participants each month: “One Model One Story.” For Feb 2018, we present to you our model and friend - Marco Brun del Re. You might know him from our “My Story with Depression” column. Marco, stepped into the studio in the summer of 2016, and stepped out with this gorgeous photo (it’s the first picture of Marco we’ve seen where he’s not smiling)! In this stillness, I see vulnerability, strength, acceptance, and embracement. What do you see? (Leave your answer in the comments) Moreover, we are working on our own book, #B, which will feature selected photos, stories, and educational facts on bipolar disorder. This way we are aiming to shed some light on the lives of affected people and raise awareness in society about this rarely spoken matter. We are still fundraising to make the #B, please scan the codes below to find out more. In Chinese In English Oh, by the way, here are the answers! Behind the Grey Wall Bad Moon Rising

CandleX is proud to present another publication by the Beijinger. Living in one of the busiest metropolis in the world can be overwhelming, so it is important to be aware of the resources around us. Read about a psychologist and a University student counselor’s perspectives on mental health, and the two steps proposed by Xiaojie on dealing with it. This article hopes to encourage readers to face these difficulties with a brave face and positive attitude. Click here to read the full article: http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2018/02/25/finding-peace-mind-beijing-mental-health-resources-rockier-times

CandleX was established for the purpose of mitigating the taboo of speaking out about mental illness (especially for foreigners in the Beijing community), educating the public of not only what mental disorders are, but more importantly, to raise awareness for the importance of mental wellbeing through our series of projects. With this vision, we are proud to have received the recognition of two internationally renowned press platforms in Sep 2017: Beijing Kids and Global Times. Below are some of the highlights from each published article. Global Times’ article includes the story of an English adolescent, Katherine Manser, that currently resides in Beijing: its truthful, comprehensive narration allows us to peek into the mind of one that struggles with anxiety and depression. Leading on from this, through an interview with Xiaojie, it details ways to reach out for help and methods in which we could support those around us. As one of the comments say, “This is such an important topic to discuss… So glad to learn about CandleX and the resources they provide!” Click here to read the full Global Times article: Similarly, CandleX was also featured on Beijing Kids. In the spirit of World Suicide Prevention Day, journalist Andy Penafuerte interviewed Xiaojie to better understand the purpose and vision of this NGO. During their discussion, issues such as risk factors, response methods, the role of the media and resources for support were brought up. It is suffice to say that the attention that CandleX has received from the local media is a demonstration of the increasing awareness for mental health. Read the full Beijing Kids article, “Take a min, Change a Life”: We are so proud to have been featured on these two news platforms and we will continue to work tirelessly towards our cause. We hope that our message will spread across the community and resonate with many in the public. #Beijing #CandleX #Community

Halcyon Days This month (December 2018), we have an upcoming exhibition in the LACD Los Angeles Center for Digital Art with this “Halcyon Days “photo from our MoodLab Project. Since the first photo was exhibited in 2016, our effort to campaign for bipolar disorder awareness continues. This photo marked the 8th time that we participated in the art exhibition. The Moodlab Project kicked off in September 2016, with the core element of our photoshoot featuring community members whose lives are affected by bipolar disorder. As part of 9 elements, this is the foundation of this project, which uses art to create a space for conversation, courage, and community connection as well as bringing people with bipolar disorder out of the darkness. We are partnering with Pere Ibanez (www.pereinbanez.com), a renound artist from Spain, to invite people into our studio for a photography session, and to learn their individual stories. 2 years have passed and we have taken the time to connect with the community members. We have completed 24 photo shoots and released 5 personal stories of the model in partnership with Berapy. Pere Ibanez released his newest book “Syzygy” in December 2017 with all productions from the Moodlab project, which became a best-selling book on iTunes. Some of the photos have won world awards that we are very proud of. Throughout the years, our photos have made into exhibitions around the world, been featured in magazine and newspaper, and spread the awareness of bipolar disorder. It is not just a photoshoot, but a process for the participants to be able to step up and advocate for bipolar disorder. These are people at our dinner table, but with a story that you might not know. Each photo is a symbol that no one should be alone. Each photo is a triumph, where we all can have a voice, even if it shakes us. Here are the personal stories of the models from Moodlab Project, and there will be more to come: ·Partner in this Whole Ordeal ·Safe Space ·Care Less ·Where the Sun and the Moon Meet (One Model One Story | World Mental Health Day) ·Going with My Mind With this in mind, we invite you to engage with the pictures and hear the voices from each picture. We encourage you to keep an open mind as you might hear different things from these pictures. Here’s a quick review of the photos we’ve released: Best of Photography 2017 Official Selection by Photographer's Forum and Serbin Press, USA Community Engagement Furthermore, it is important to note that this project is not for us or about us, but for all of the participants, the Beijing community, and the people beyond it. We hope that the courage and the openness of the models, who are your colleagues, friends, or just passers-by, will inspire you as well. We wish to invite you, the community members, in promotion and community engagement of Moodlab. We encourage you to speak out about mental health in your circles and share the news about our project. This way you will also become a part of the campaign, which will then reach more people and raise the awareness in China and beyond. If you want to talk to us about being engaged with MoodLab, reach us at: info@candlex.cn Moodlab Emotional Wellbeing workshop at UCCA, Dec 2016 You Can Share and Inspire Social Media Follow. Like. Share and re-share once again. From our WeChat account to the photographer Pere Ibañez's Facebook page, there are plenty of ways. The best way to get the latest updates and share the news with your friends is on the Facebook wall, Instagram feed, or WeChat moments. Be our guest! Speak about it online and offline. Do not be afraid of raising mental health awareness everywhere you are, as that is the best way to reduce the taboo and increase the general knowledge! Fundraising Recently, we have opened an account on Zhongchou to raise funds for the ultimate goal of the Moodlab Project - the Art Book for Bipolar Disorder Education, which will include selected photos, stories of the models, and educational information on bipolar disorder. We would be immensely grateful if you shared the link with your friends to help us get the needed financial resources! At the same time, if you have a WeChat Wallet account, you can directly support us on our platform. #Beijingdepression #Chinadepression #bipolardisorder #Moodlab #mentalhealth

Mental health issues are ubiquitous. That’s the message Xiaojie’s making known to the world. In May 2018, Xiaojie joined a journalist from the China Development Brief to discuss her work with CandleX, her views on mental health, and the importance behind understanding it for the benefit of the community. Besides introducing her purpose behind the founding of CandleX, she also explained some ongoing CandleX activities: community workshops, art campaigns, public education and more. CandleX is proud to have had the opportunity to gain yet another media platform to further our influence and works in the local Beijing community. For the full story, please click “Xiaojie Qin: Mental Health Concerns Everyone” . #CandleX #China #Beijing

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a global awareness raising event observed to honour commitment and action to preventing suicide. Last year in Beijing, CandleX Founder Xiaojie and Peer Support Group Project Coordinator Alice Liu commemorate this important day for mental health awareness and depression awareness with an appearance on an English speaking radio show, Touch Beijing 感受北京, online and on AM774/FM 92.3, on 10th September 2018. Hosts Chloe and Kat (below) introduced Xiaojie and Alice in the interview segment of their show, after sharing some personal stories about their experiences on mental health. Xiaojie, CandleX’s Founder and Director, explained her motivations for starting the organization and need for a platform for the international community in Beijing to raise awareness of, and provide psychosocial care for, mental health issues such as depression or bipolar. Xiaojie and Alice have both health with their personal mental health issues, and it is this that allows them access to a deeper understanding of the need for support; They were both given space on the show to explain their personal motivations, and to answer for commonly held misconceptions or misunderstandings about mental illness, peer-to peer support, and the healing process. Alice, who has been a member of the peer support group, opened up about her nerves and even reluctance before joining, and continued struggles with mental illness. As for Xiaojie （above）, she was able to share statistics from CandleX’s peer support group 3rd year Review Report and anecdotes about the history of CandleX, as well as her own personal story. We are grateful for Touch Beijing for this opportunity to promote CandleX’s message. Listen to the show again here: http://www.am774.com/hf/2018-09/10/cms891839article.shtml Did you listen to the radio show? Let us know what you think by email: info@candlex.cn #Chinadepression #psychosocialsupport #mentalsupportgroup #suicideprevention #peersupportgroup #support #suicide #depression #bipolar

10 September was World Suicide Prevention Day and CandleX marked this important day by running a Suicide Prevention Campaign since then until now. In September, CandleX and thebeijinger joined together to raise awareness on suicide prevention. CandleX was featured in a short article in thebeijinger published on 10 September about mental health options in Beijing. An anonymous member of the CandleX support group discussed their experiences and shared their own advice for talking to people who are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts: “Listen and don’t panic. My ability to talk about my experience, and the fact I consider myself someone who is successfully managing mental illness, stems from a support network, with who I can talk freely about my feelings without judgment.” Click https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2019/09/10/suicide-awareness-week-know-your-options-mental-well-being-beijing to read the full article in Thebeijinger. #mentalhealth #depression #bipolardisorder #Beijing #China #psychosocialsupport #suicideprevention

To mark World Mental Health Day 2019, CandleX Founder Xiaojie Qin and support group participant Lindsay were featured on English Language radio show Touch Beijing. Go to “Read more” and listen at 35 minutes and 35 seconds to listen to the full interview. Or listen to it here. Part of CandleX’s goal is to raise awareness of issues related to mental health in Beijing. This year, World Mental Health Day on 10 October provided an opportunity to do just that. Founder and Director Xiaojie Qin, in her second appearance on the network, andpeer support groupparticipant and American ex-pat Lindsay joined hosts Gail and Yige Wang (王异戈) on Touch Beijing, the afternoon drive home show on Radio Beijing International. Lindsay opened up about their experiences, candidly discussing the role culture, language and identity can play in mental health. They expressed optimism with respect to the evolving dialogue around mental health in China and abroad. Xiaojie, as the lead facilitator of the CandleX peer support group, spoke of the key role that peer-support can play in maintaining your mental health. For Americans like Lindsay or other ex-pats living in Beijing, it can be hard to find an understanding community to talk about mental health – and as Xiaojie added, the same can be true for returning Chinese people that have spent a long time overseas and learned to express themselves in a certain way in English. She outlined the key role that having the support group in English plays for many participants. CandleX’ s peer support group now happens every week on Tuesdays – follow the links in our weekly Wechat post to sign up. As Xiaojie explained in the radio show, it is not a replacement for professional help, but is designed to be complementary to it – a non-judgemental space where participants can vent, discuss or simply listen. CandleX remains committed to now happens every week on Tuesdays – follow the links in our weekly Wechat post to sign up. As Xiaojie explained in the radio show, it is not a replacement for professional help but is designed to be complementary to it – a non-judgemental space where participants can vent, discuss or simply listen.