Zhao Lusi makes her first public appearance; reveals the dangerously low weight she once dropped to

On January 26, Zhao Lusi's agency released a video documenting her journey from illness to recovery. The hashtag #ZhaoLusirecoveryprocessrevealed quickly trended on Chinese social media. 

In the video, Zhao Lusi is shown struggling with her health, experiencing outbursts of crying, difficulty in eating, being unable to speak, and having trouble walking. Further, she is also shown slowly recovering. With the support of her family, friends, and pets, she has learned to walk and speak again.

In late December of 2024-early January of 2025, the Chinese actress was in the headlines for her sudden deterioration of health. On December 27, her agency reported that "on December 18, Zhao Lusi suddenly felt unwell and immediately sought medical attention. She is currently following the doctor's advice for treatment and rest." A close friend of the actress revealed that she has been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to parts of the brain. Then on January 1, Zhao Lusi posted a long statement on her Weibo explaining her health complications, struggles with depression, and the deterioration of her physical health. 

She has recovered to the extent that she can now walk and talk. On January 25, Zhao Lusi made her first public appearance after revealing her medical condition. She returned to her hometown, Chengdu, to attend a brand event, during which was seen relying on a walking stick. 

Prior to this, in an interview with local media, Zhao Lusi revealed that her condition has improved significantly. She also shared that, previously, her weight dropped to 74 jin (approximately 37 Kg or 81.6 pounds), the lowest she ever got, but she has since gained 8 jin (approximately 4 Kg or 8.8 pounds), now reaching 82 jin (approximately 41 Kg or 90.4 pounds).

Zhao Lusi also disclosed her current illness of dissociative disorder with anxiety is caused by a long-term accumulation of depression and negative emotions. She said, "The doctor told me that the likelihood of a recurrence will be much less after six months. So, during this period, it's crucial to avoid any triggers."

Talking with Global Times, before her public appearance, Zhao Lusi said she walked a journey from "the darkest moments" to a "rebirth." 

Global Times reports the actress revealed that she "started experiencing symptoms of depression several years ago. However, she chose to ignore her health condition due to concerns about disappointing her family, friends, and fans. To maintain her demanding work schedule, she relied on sleep aids to ensure she could work. Due to an inner fear of being perceived as not working hard enough by others, Zhao seldom took breaks. Under such pressure, symptoms of anxiety gradually became a part of her life."

Zhao Lusi also revealed that in the past few years, she also took up hobbies, such as visiting coffee shops, opening a dessert store, playing music, and painting, to relieve stress and ease her symptoms. "I sought out everything that could provide me with mental support, so my depression has been alleviated," she said to Global Times. "Don't let yourself be trapped in physical pain or mental confinement."  

Apart from hobbies, Zhao has also engages in philanthropy. "These experiences have been like a ray of sunshine, illuminating and healing my heart." "You feel a sense of freshness, a sense of power. This method is actually a form of self-rescue... Coupled with medication to control physical symptoms, you need to exercise and engage in social activities. This prevents you from constantly focusing on the negative aspects of your illness. Gradually, you will find solutions and notice yourself improving day by day."  "I believe my recovery is due to my actively seeking to understand this illness. Once you understand it, you'll find it's not as scary as it seems, and there are many solutions available." The actress also urged people to stop stigmatizing and trivializing depression, and it should also not be used as an excuse for escaping responsibility or incomprehensible behavior. She also said that people with depression can still continue working. 

"If this were a script, I would find such a plot quite 'bizarre,' but it did happen." "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."

At her first public event on January 25, Zhao Lusi also disclosed her slogan for the Chinese New Year: "Take a step." "I used to think of this as a very negative phrase, but starting this year, I find it fills me with anticipation. I might have always been anxious about what would happen after 'taking that one step,' but I never realized that, in fact, only when you reach that step will you be able to see the solutions and a direction. So, 'take a step' is something I want to share with everyone as well. Don't worry about what's ahead or the unknown. First, take that step, and you will naturally find your direction."

Read about Zhao Lusi's agency addressing fans' concerns about her health here, Zhao Lusi allegedly being abused by her person in charge here, and Zhao Lusi breaking silence on suffering from depression and physical abuse here. 

Sources: Weibo, Hangzhou Daily, Global Times