â–² Lin Duoduo, the vice dean, sees patients
Studying clinical medicine but “accidentally” becoming a psychiatrist. From hesitant and hesitant in the early days of starting this profession to later being focused and dedicated, and now deeply passionate, Lin Duoduo, the vice dean and deputy chief physician of the psych department at Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, reflects the experiences of many ordinary psychiatrists, reflecting their true voice: though psychiatry is “small,” its real significance is enormous.
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Psychiatry may be “niche” but it’s extraordinary
In people’s early impressions, mental hospitals are places that make one feel apprehensive. “Iron bars, iron locks, triple doors” – the mental health wards are often mentally “filled in” with a bleak picture. In 2006, Lin Duoduo, who had just graduated from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, felt the same apprehension when applying for a job, with the commonly spread image lingering in his mind, causing a mix of emotions.
“At that time, this discipline was relatively obscure nationwide, and psychiatrists were not widely accepted by the public.” Lin Duoduo said with a smile, “When going out for dinner with friends and asked what I do, I could only vaguely say I am a doctor, rarely specifically mentioning the specialty.”
“Mental disorders are ‘extraordinary’ tests for doctors, patients, and families. Early admitted patients with mental disorders often have severe symptoms, many of whom are passively treated, seen as ‘hot potatoes’ in the eyes of their families.” Lin Duoduo candidly said, “At that time, treatment methods were relatively singular, mainly focusing on medication, which had significant side effects; long-term medication could lead to symptoms like dullness, sluggishness, requiring strong inner strength and resilience. Let alone patients, even doctors could feel significant frustration and professional fatigue.”
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Saving a psychiatric patient is equivalent to saving a family
After coming to Xianyue Hospital, Lin Duoduo gradually felt the weight of responsibility: “In treating and saving patients, psychiatrists play a crucial role; saving a psychiatric patient doesn’t just benefit the individual but equates to saving a family, and at times, effectively maintaining social harmony and stability,” he shared an example with the newspaper reporter.
There was a working couple; their son, Xiaolin (alias), developed a severe mental illness at the age of 20. Each time he had an episode, he would wander off. Once, he went to the beach alone, sat there for a day and two nights until thankfully spotted by a border guard and brought back. Lin Duoduo recalled that, when the couple brought their son to him for treatment, mentioning the helplessness they felt when their son frequently got lost due to his episodes, the father jokingly remarked, “Once we retire, we will rent a place on Gulangyu Island; that way, the range for him to get lost will be limited to 1.88 square kilometers, making it easier to find him.” This statement was both helpless and poignant, marking the moment when Lin Duoduo felt the importance of being a psychiatrist. Under his guidance, after comprehensive treatment including medication, psychological, and physical therapies, Xiaolin’s condition was effectively controlled; he did not wander off due to an episode for nearly 20 years. The couple could work peacefully until their retirement.
Recently, when they came with their son for a follow-up with Lin Duoduo, they expressed deep gratitude: “Thanks to Xianyue Hospital, and especially to you, for enabling us to live worry-free for 20 years. Now, no need to rent on Gulangyu Island; we’re even thinking of touring all over the country.”
Over time, Lin Duoduo grew to love this profession. With increasing social competition and rising incidence of mental illness, national policies and research resources are increasingly directed towards psychiatry, making the field more sought after. He confidently smiled, “Now, when I go out, and someone asks about my profession, I proudly tell them I am a psychiatrist.”
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Tracking, learning, and practicing new technologies to rejuvenate elderly people
As medical technology evolves, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for mental disorders continue to advance, with new treatments such as novel medications, psychological behavioral therapy, neurofeedback therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, continuously emerging. Vice Dean Lin Duoduo often leads the team in learning new technologies and therapies. Particularly, the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy without convulsions (MECT), carried out under general anesthesia and muscle relaxation, shows good efficacy in treating symptoms like depression, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, mutism, excitement, impulsivity, among others.
83-year-old Grandpa Zheng (alias) was once a severe depression patient for over 10 years, feeling melancholic all the time, finding life meaningless, merely existing in a haze of missed opportunities, waiting for death. After receiving the ECT without convulsions treatment from Lin Duoduo, a miracle occurred: electrical stimulation adjusted the brain’s neural activity, enhancing cognitive function, transforming Grandpa Zheng’s formerly gloomy mood into one of joy and positivity. He now engages in table tennis regularly and recently went on a trip to Guangdong, occasionally sharing scenic photos of his travels with Lin Duoduo.
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From individual care to societal impact, he interprets the love of a healer with responsibility
From a physician to deputy chief physician, and now as the vice dean, with the change in roles, Lin Duoduo’s attention shifted from individual care to a societal level. He believes that mental illnesses and mental health issues have become significant health concerns, emphasizing the significance of scientifically preventing and treating mental disorders. To promote awareness of mental health and psychological issues, Lin Duoduo, as a psychiatric doctor and also as the director of the Communist Party of China Xiamen Municipal Committee Youth Working Committee, constantly bears in mind the social responsibility on his shoulders. He often leads in-depth research and has authored multiple research reports on “mental health.” In the first half of this year, during his participation in the Spring Middle Youth Class study at the Party School of the Municipal Committee, a research report he co-authored, “A Study on Strategies for Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Psychological Health Industry in Xiamen City,” received the relevant department’s instructions. Presently, he actively works towards establishing the Xiamen City Mental Health Center, aiming to organize more mental health educational activities in the future, enhancing the public’s scientific understanding of mental health.
Having devoted nearly 20 years to the field of psychiatry, Vice Dean Lin Duoduo embarked on this journey by chance but has since delved deep, staying true to his passion. In the future, he will continue to interpret the love of a healer with responsibility and dedication, helping thousands of mental disorder patients emerge from the shadows of illness, embracing the light of life once more.
Journalist Lin Shaorong, Correspondent Chen Dajie
