Depression is known as the modern “Black Death,” and the enormous distress and sense of despair it brings to patients have sparked widespread attention. However, as we strive to combat depression, there are still many who cannot escape this affliction and ultimately choose to end their lives in despair. This article will use two real events as examples to explore the tragedies caused by depression and call on society to increase attention and care for depression patients.
In the 1980s, Hong Kong pop icon Leslie Cheung quickly rose to stardom in the Asian music scene with his outstanding singing ability and unique artistic style. However, few knew that he carried a great deal of psychological pressure and the shadow of depression.
During a media interview, Leslie Cheung openly admitted that he often felt depressed and disappointed, questioning his life significantly. He used singing to express his inner loneliness and pain, but seemed unable to truly break free from it.
However, in 2003, Leslie Cheung chose to end his life by jumping from a building, causing immense shock and sorrow to his followers. His passing led people to profoundly reflect on the devastating power of depression on an individual and its warning to society as a whole.
In front of the Empire State Building in Hollywood, there is a true story about the “Falling Angel.” In May 1947, a young woman named Evelyn jumped from the 300-meter-high building. This scene was captured by a photographer who happened to be present, and the photo quickly spread through the New York Times, catapulting Evelyn into immortal history.
Evelyn’s graceful dance and her eventual tragic ending sparked endless speculations and inquiries. After investigation by the police, Evelyn’s family revealed that she had been struggling with the torment of depression and had attempted suicide to relieve her inner pain.
Although these two events occurred in different times and spaces, the common ground is their association with inescapable depression. The passing of these two tragic figures has drawn widespread attention from society, prompting people to contemplate the impact of depression on individuals and society.
The passing of these two tragic figures has sparked extensive discussions and attention online. People have expressed their remembrance and grief for them, initiating deep discussions on the understanding and treatment of depression.
Many believe that society should increase attention and care for depression, and provide more mental health services and support mechanisms. Meanwhile, some media and the public have begun to criticize those who excessively expose and speculate on tragic figures for the sake of chasing sensational news.
In fact, apart from Leslie Cheung and Evelyn, there have been many similar incidents in history. From ancient times to the present, people have continuously chosen suicide due to depression, prompting profound reflections.
In 2009, grassroots musician Huchen committed suicide due to depression, feeling helpless and desperate amidst life and career troubles.
In 2017, renowned South Korean entertainer Kim Goh-in took her own life due to depression, triggering a wide discussion on the entertainment industry’s falsity and pressure.
The existence of similar incidents shows that the pressure and distress brought by depression to patients are common, requiring deep consideration of how to provide better support and assistance.
Firstly, patients with depression and their families face significant psychological, economic, and social pressures, necessitating better care and support mechanisms.
Secondly, society should enhance the promotion and education of mental health issues, increasing public awareness and understanding of depression.
Lastly, the media should report on depression and suicide-related events more responsibly, avoiding excessive exposure and instigation.
By delving into the tragedies of Leslie Cheung and Evelyn, we can see the enormous distress and despair brought by depression. As a society, we need to pay attention to and care for depression patients, providing better support and assistance.
We should intensify the promotion and education of mental health, enabling more people to understand depression and eradicate biases and discrimination against mental illnesses.
Finally, let us work together to provide warmth and hope to those struggling with depression, letting them feel the care and love of society.
