In Zhejiang Province, east China, hotlines and mailboxes offering mental and psychological services have been opened to people in need. Classes on psychology have been introduced to students.

A recent survey conducted in Zhejiang said that some 4.4 million people, or 10 percent of the province's total, suffered from mental and psychological problems.

The figure was even as high as 16.8 percent in schools. So far, 60 percent of the people with psychological and mental problems in Zhejiang are receiving various treatments.

Zhejiang has also set up a leading group for the work on mental health and drafted a plan for the mental health work.

The province expects 60 percent of patients suffering from mental illness to recover, through treatment, in the coming five years.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has designated October 10 as "World Mental Health Day." It's the first time for China to hold activities to mark the day this year.

(Xinhua 10/10/2000)