Mentally-Disabled Teen in China Tied to Well for 10 Years Because Family Can’t Afford Care

Suffering from a severe brain disease, a 17-year-old boy in China has been tied to a well for more than 10 years so that he couldn’t run away from home.

Yang Jie had a mental condition from a young age. He has been living with two grandparents, an aunt and two younger siblings in Hefei in Anhui Province, eastern China.

Yang’s parents first noticed that he had issues with learning. Soon, he started wandering away from home.

The family, however, was unable to afford professional help. As a result, they had no choice but to tie him up to keep him safe.

Yang was tied up over 10 years ago by his grandfather, who told Sina News that they were actually just “some simple knots.” But with his condition, the teenager is still unable to untie them.

He is reportedly tied to a bed every night.

In pictures published online on Sept. 1, Yang is seen eating rice from the ground next to chickens and ducks.

Alarmingly, he was reportedly found eating dried leaves and animal feces at certain times.

Perhaps Yang’s life turned out differently if only support had been available much earlier. Mental issues, after all, may be managed and sufferers can still be productive in society.

With his family unable to cover medical expenses, Yang’s future, unfortunately, remains uncertain.

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