【Heart Bloom Lab】Psychological Workshop for Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Patients and Families

At 7:00 PM on September 19, on the eve of the 1st Chinese Conference on Familial Hypercholesterolemia,a special gathering called "Heart Bloom Lab" quietly began in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

This was not a traditional academic meeting filled with cold data and complex charts, nor a one-way lecture from speakers. Instead, it brought together a group of friends connected by FH, opening their hearts to inner exploration and offering warm companionship to one another.

A Heartwarming Encounter: With Ourselves and With Each Other

She said, "We’ve had our cholesterol checked many times—how long has it been since we last took a careful look at our own emotional well-being? Tonight, this is a safe space—there are no right or wrong answers, only the opportunity to focus on your inner self and be heard with attentive ears."

Led by Professor Zhang Yudi, Associate Professor at the School of Sociology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, and Ph.D. in Psychology, this "journey of inner exploration" gently began. Professor Zhang started with simple warm-up exercises and lighthearted icebreaker games like rock-paper-scissors, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. As everyone moved their bodies and engaged in play, the distance between them gradually closed—growing more at ease and less reserved.

Nine pictures, drawing one's inner world.

Soft music guided everyone into meditation, relaxing their minds and providing a moment of peace, forgetting all stress and worries. Images appeared before their eyes: vibrant spring scenes, the solitude of trees at dusk, the tranquility of mountain cottages, colorful splashes of color, and blank canvases representing thoughtlessness...

Immersed in music, everyone delved into their own inner worlds, using brushes to express their feelings and inner thoughts on canvas. Then, each person selected one of their painted cards to share within their group, explaining how the image represented FH (which could be interpreted as an abbreviation or code for something specific to their context) and its impact on their lives.

Sharing sincerely and listening attentively, it felt as if they were old friends who had known each other for a long time. It seemed that the people present understood their feelings better than anyone else. Anxieties, fears, and pressures, which were deeply hidden in their hearts and thought to be incomprehensible by others, were now realized not to be faced alone.

I say, you write—let's see who can come up with the most health tips!

"Let’s share the good methods you can think of for managing blood lipids in daily life," guided Professor Zhang, leading everyone into the next activity. "I’ll say, you write!"

Working together, each person contributed their own small health management tips. Soon, the list on the large white poster grew quickly—from 1, 2, 3… all the way to 39. The group offered comprehensive suggestions covering diet, exercise, sleep routines, hobbies, mood management, goal setting, and ways to release emotions.

Write down your three-, five-, or ten-year goals.

Everyone carefully wrote down their aspirations and hopes for the future—words of encouragement and challenge to themselves, but above all, expressions of hope and courage for what lies ahead.

A Reward to Myself

"Congratulations on achieving your goal! We hope you continue to strive forward and live each day happily."

"Congratulations on reaching your goal. This award is presented to you in recognition, and we hope you continue to stay healthy and joyful in the future!"

Cards of Blessings for Each Other

ü Stay positive and optimistic, gradually embrace life with FH;

ü Beautiful from within to the outside;

ü Earn money, fulfill your dreams, and travel the world;

ü Wishing our little ones joy every day, with rainbow-colored moods and sunny hearts that shine on us all, free from worries;

ü See mountains not just as mountains, see waters not just as waters;

ü Your future is bright and brilliant;

ü Though there’s wind and snow outside, it’s warm and cozy inside;

ü May you be more confident, youthful, and full of energy;

ü You are my role model.

Everyone exchanged their handmade cards and received blessings from others. A warm feeling seemed to flow through everyone's heart, allowing us to experience both giving and receiving. Perhaps the most touching moments always happen in the midst of sincere sharing.

Small lights attract small lights, and together we illuminate each other.

The first session of "Heart Bloom Lab" has come to an end, but our journey of tending to our inner selves has only just begun. May every participant carry the warmth and strength gained tonight back into their daily lives.

And may all our FH warriors know: on the journey of managing your cholesterol, you are never alone. FH China Patient Network will always be here, walking beside you—taking care of your heart, and managing your health together.

Paying attention to your inner world is not being sentimental; it is another essential form of treatment. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous act of strength.