Chinese hospital opens ‘Dislike Going to Work Clinic’ to treat anxiety, depression

A Chinese hospital has opened a "Dislike Going to Work Clinic," specifically designed to address work-related anxiety and depression. The special outpatient service, initiated two months ago by the Qinhuangdao Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei province, has sparked widespread discussion across social media.

The concept for the clinic emerged from parents who had previously sought help at the hospital's "Dislike Going to School Clinic," asking if a similar service existed for adults, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. Yue Limin, director of the hospital’s Sleep and Psychology Department and head of the new clinic, said, "Previously, when children came to the ‘Dislike Going to School’ clinic, some parents would ask if there was a similar service for adults who do not want to go to work." The initial "Dislike Going to School" clinic aimed to help children with academic stress and emotional issues, causing their aversion to school.

The "Dislike Going to Work Clinic" aims to assist individuals struggling with fatigue, exhaustion, emotional instability, or a general sense that their work lacks meaning. Speaking to the publication, hospital director Yue explained the rationale behind the clinic's name: "But if we label it directly as anxiety or depression, some patients may feel stigma. We hope that by using such a name, patients can walk into the consultation room without feeling any pressure." She added that these "surface symptoms often stem from complex psychological or social factors," and the clinic's role is to identify causes, conduct systematic assessments, and provide personalised treatment and support.

Despite gaining nationwide attention, the clinic has seen a relatively low number of actual patients, according to Yue. But, its launch has ignited a humorous discussion on mainland social media. SCMP quoted one person praising the idea as "genius," while another joked, "You walk in and find no doctors, because they do not want to go to work either."