Zhao Lusi Makes Emotional Comeback After Battling Depression and Paralysis

CHENGDU, China — Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, 26, made her first public appearance on Saturday at a fan meeting hosted by beverage company Viee, marking her return after revealing her struggles with depression and past abuse. The event, held in Chengdu, provided Zhao with a platform to discuss her health challenges and recovery journey.

Last year, Zhao, known for her role in the drama ‘Hidden Love,’ was seen in a wheelchair at a hospital, sparking concerns about her condition. Videos later surfaced showing her struggling with basic motor functions, including walking and eating. At the fan meeting, Zhao shared her progress, stating, ‘I experienced symptoms of paralysis and loss of speech. It was very difficult, but now, I am grateful for how far I have come.’

Zhao, who appeared with a walking stick, emphasized her determination to recover before Chinese New Year. ‘Before Chinese New Year, I wanted to show everyone the progress I have made in my recovery,’ she said. The actress also took time to comfort fans who were moved to tears by her appearance.

In a recent interview with Global Times, Zhao revealed she is receiving treatment for depression and advocating for vulnerable groups. ‘I want to say the support and encouragement everyone gives me is incredibly valuable. Thus, I also hope to use my own strength to help as many people as I can, especially those who are struggling with mental health issues,’ she said.

On January 1, Zhao opened up about her health struggles in a Weibo post, detailing her battle with depression since 2019. She recounted experiences of abuse, including being physically punished for poor grades as a child and beaten after failed auditions. Despite these challenges, Zhao expressed gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing that depression is a real illness that cannot be resolved by simply ‘thinking positively.’

Zhao’s quick recovery has been met with both praise and skepticism. Some online users labeled her a ‘medical marvel,’ to which she responded humorously, ‘Drink more Viee and share that strength with everyone.’ The keyword ‘Zhao Lusi responds to medical marvel’ trended on Weibo, with fans praising her positivity and resilience.

Zhao’s return to the spotlight has also sparked discussions about the pressures faced by celebrities. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with many, offering hope to those facing similar challenges. ‘As an artiste, I’ve already been well compensated in many aspects, so I hope you, outside the spotlight, will keep going,’ she said, encouraging others to remain hopeful.