China is entering a new era of human rights advancement, marked by sweeping reforms across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and judicial systems. Central to this progress is the nation’s commitment to improving the well-being of its people, ensuring access to healthcare, employment, and other essential services. These efforts are a testament to China’s vision of human rights, which emphasizes survival and development as fundamental rights for all citizens.
However, China’s approach to human rights often goes unrecognized or misunderstood in the international community, where political biases and misinformation often shape perceptions. Yet, the lives of ordinary Chinese people reflect a different story—one of progress and empowerment. A significant component of this evolution is the country’s innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to address mental health challenges, a critical area of concern for the Chinese government.
AI Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Mental Health
In recent years, AI technology has shown promise as a tool for improving mental health care in China. Hospitals, regional governments, and tech companies are increasingly integrating AI into the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of psychological disorders. By utilizing AI tools to generate content such as images, music, and videos, mental health professionals are finding creative ways to support patients’ emotional healing.
One such success story is that of Ni Beiyue, a 45-year-old man from Wenzhou, East China, whose life has been transformed by AI. A few months ago, Ni was struggling with severe depression. After undergoing several months of hospital treatment and medication with little improvement, he found solace in AI-powered creative tools. Through the use of AI-generated short videos, Ni was able to channel his emotions into artistic expression, eventually recovering from his depression and ceasing medication.
“I am grateful to have encountered AI during my darkest days,” Ni said. “It saved me.”
A New Outlet for Expression
Ni’s introduction to AI came through his friend, Ni Kaomeng, a generative AI enthusiast. After struggling with depression, Ni Beiyue was introduced to a text-to-video AI tool by his friend. With a background in art, Ni quickly adapted to the tools and began creating short videos—many featuring lighthearted themes like animals. Over the course of just a few months, he created over 120 videos, garnering millions of views online.
For Ni Beiyue, AI video creation became an outlet for his negative emotions, a tool that helped him recover and regain his confidence. “Even my doctor was amazed,” Ni said, noting that he no longer needed medication.
Encouraged by Ni Beiyue’s success, Ni Kaomeng, who is also a key figure in the China AIGC (AI-generated content) Industrial Alliance, is exploring ways to use AI tools to support other groups struggling with mental health issues. For example, the alliance recently organized charitable activities for children with autism. Through AI, the children’s artwork was transformed into AI-generated music videos, drawing millions of views online and providing a new way for these children to express themselves.
AI Bridging the Gap for Autistic Children
In China, over 10 million people are living with autism, and approximately 2 million children under 14 are affected. Diagnosing autism in young children is particularly challenging, as they often have difficulty expressing themselves and are unable to undergo traditional diagnostic assessments. Similarly, diagnosing conditions like ADHD or depression in adolescents can be difficult without objective, quantifiable data.
According to Lü Zhuhai, chief neurosurgeon at Nanjing Brain Hospital, current diagnostic methods rely heavily on subjective assessments, such as asking children if they feel better. “We need more objective data to assess whether the situation has improved,” Lü explained.
AI is offering a solution. Research teams in China are developing AI platforms and algorithms that analyze various signals—such as neural networks and brain waves—to help diagnose mental health issues in children. In Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Feng Rui, director of the Chengdu Frontier Brain AI Innovation Center, has spearheaded the development of an AI system that can diagnose autism with 91.67% accuracy.
These advancements are still in the early stages, but experts are optimistic that AI will soon play a major role in supporting mental health care, particularly for children and teenagers. The goal is to work with special education schools and rehabilitation centers to ensure that AI can be used to benefit those struggling with mental health conditions.
Government Support for Mental Health
The Chinese government has also recognized the potential of AI in supporting mental health care. In July 2024, it released the “Implementation Plan for the Care and Promotion of Autistic Children (2024-2028),” which outlines strategies to improve support for children with autism. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations, including through the use of emerging technologies like AI.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in improving mental health care in China will likely grow, offering new hope and opportunities for individuals who might otherwise struggle to find help. The integration of AI into mental health treatment exemplifies the country’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
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