CHINA / Taiwan, HK, Macao

Lyricist Lin Xi says he has anxiety problem
(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-13 14:22

Top Chinese lyricist Lin Xi said in an interview published Sunday that he sees nothing wrong with taking medication to treat anxiety _ but that he's reluctant to undergo therapy to treat his own problems.

"Anxiety problems weren't as common before. A lot of people are like me. They didn't know they suffered an illness. If they were unhappy they'd chat with friends ... but in reality you're sick. If you're sick you need to take medication," Lin said in an interview published in the Apple Daily newspaper.

However, Lin, one of Chinese pop's most respected wordsmiths, said he's resistant to the idea of therapy.

"My doctors told me to undergo clinical psychiatric therapy. I said it wasn't necessary. I know myself very well. I know what psychological reactions I'll have when I do something," he said.

"I'm used to thinking. I'm not a bad speaker. For me, to ask me to see a therapist is to ask me to debate with him or her," Lin said.

Lin said one source of relief is comedian Stephen Chow's movies.

"When I feel down I watch Stephen Chow's films. I've watched 'Shaolin Soccer' more than 50 times," he said.