Recently, I saw a video of the renowned psychologist Professor He Lingfeng.
A couple of professors from Fudan University brought their son to him. The boy, 14 years old, suffers from depression and has attempted self-harm and suicide multiple times.
Feeling desperate, the parents approached Professor He in hopes of talking to him and their son.
The boy asked, “Professor He, do you believe everyone will eventually die?”
Professor He replied, “Yes.”
The boy continued, “I am 14 now, my parents are university professors, so I’ve experienced everything I should eat, play, and places to go since I was young. I feel there are no regrets in my life.
If I don’t die now, next year I will have to take the high school entrance examination. If I don’t get into a good school, my parents would feel ashamed. After getting into a good high school, I need to attend a good university, then pursue a master’s and a Ph.D. No matter how much I study, I may not surpass my parents.
Even if I become like them, look at them, both university professors, is that all life has to offer? Look at them, their marital relationship isn’t good, they argue and have cold wars all the time, what’s the point?
I have the kind of personality that will be manipulated by my boss when I go out, then I have to endure society’s criticisms. Later on, if I marry and have a child who shares my traits, it would be worrisome for others.
Why do I have to endure all of society’s torments before dying? Death is inevitable, wouldn’t it be better for me to die now?”
After listening to the boy’s words, Professor He was moved and said, “Indeed, life is so difficult, living seems meaningless.”
“But hey, you can still play games every day!”
The boy responded, “Even playing games has lost its meaning. I’ve played all kinds of games, it’s just the same.”
Dr. Xu Kaiwen, a former Peking University student from the psychological health education and counseling center, once gave a talk at a family education summit that drew attention. He referred to this mental state as “Hollow Heart Syndrome”.
Hollow Heart Syndrome resembles depression, with symptoms such as low mood, decreased interest, and lack of pleasure. People suffering from Hollow Heart Syndrome typically receive a depression diagnosis when visiting psychiatric clinics.
According to the latest research by a clinical psychology Ph.D. from Peking University, in recent years, more and more people have been afflicted with a new type of psychological disorder, Hollow Heart Syndrome. Compared to known depressive pathologies, the harm caused by this syndrome is greater and more likely to lead to suicidal tendencies!
Common symptoms experienced by patients include:
– Symptoms that mimic depression diagnosis criteria
– Feelings of intense loneliness and meaninglessness
– Excessive concern about personal image and perception
Traditional psychological therapies often show limited effectiveness in treating Hollow Heart Syndrome, unlike the success seen in treating depression. The affliction can lead individuals to question the value and purpose of life, often resulting in suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
Effective strategies to prevent children from developing Hollow Heart Syndrome include allowing room for trial and error, teaching children to enjoy life beyond achievements, and instilling a sense of personal values and contribution to society.
