Chinese woman stops eating, using toilet after being scolded at work, becomes 'stiff wooden person'

In a disturbing incident from China, a woman in her 20s reportedly became a “stiff wooden person” after getting scolded at her workplace.

The woman, identified as Li, hails from central China’s Henan province. She suddenly became unresponsive that she could no longer eat, drink move or engage in conversation, according to a report by Chinese media outlet Hongxing News on October 15.

The report says Li was rebuked by her team leader a month ago, which led to her prolonged dejection. Her condition worsened as the days passed, so much so that her head would hang in mid-air if her family removed the pillow beneath it.

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Li has to be reminded to use the toilet by her family, as she can no longer keep a tab on her physical cues.

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Li’s doctor Jia Dehuan, who works at the Zhengzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, described her as a “wooden” figure who is no longer able to respond to her surroundings.

Jia explained this strange condition is known as catatonic stupor, which is a symptom of depression.

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In this, a person’s awareness of the world around them is disrupted, as per the Cleveland Clinic. When experiencing this condition, people may “react very little or not at all to their surroundings.”

Li’s introverted personality further made her condition worse, as she struggled to open up around people. She reportedly acknowledged her situation and expressed a desire to manage her mood more effectively from now on.

Chinese social media erupts over the incident

The case of Li caused a stir on Chinese social media.

“She had been torturing herself due to her boss’s actions,” commented one user on Douyin.

Another added,“If your job is too demanding, it’s better to leave rather than suffer in silence.”

A third observer noted,“I also feel work-related stress at times, but I cannot quit because finding another job is so challenging.”

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A survey by the Chinese Psychological Society on workplace mental health found that up to 4.8 per cent of Chinese employees experienced workplace depression, as per SCMP.

Nearly 80 per cent of employees reported feelings of agitation at work, 60 per cent reported anxiety, and nearly 40 per cent reported symptoms of depression, according to Shangguan News last year.

(With inputs from agencies)