How a paralysed former firefighter is using his tragedy to inspire others
- Zhu Mingjun attempted suicide after his accident, but was saved by the subject of psychology
- Now a certified consultant, he tries to help others in similar situations find light in their lives
For about two years, Zhu struggled to grapple with his quadriplegia, even attempting suicide on multiple occasions. “I told my mother just to pull out my breathing tube. It would only take me several minutes to die and I would not suffer any pains, I said. Whenever I talked about this topic, my mother kept on crying, and me too,” said Zhu in an interview with ThePaper.cn.
But in 2016, Zhu’s life began a turnaround when he met a psychology teacher who provided emotional support during Zhu’s darkest times. Now, helping others get through their mental anguish has become his purpose in life.
“My life attitude is to learn to accept [the reality], respond proactively and look forward to the future,” Zhu told the South China Morning Post.
At the end of 2016, he passed a national certification test to work as a psychology consultant. Lying on his bed, Zhu’s mother would often have to physically move him to the proper position to communicate with his clients. The process can take upwards of 30 minutes.
But, Zhu can make a profound difference because he can truly empathise with others going through a similar situation.
“I experienced despair as they do. I also cried bitterly and my mind collapsed. I regard them as my peers,” he told ThePaper.cn