Introduction: Due to the passing of singer Coco Lee, there is a wave of sorrow and regret among everyone, and the depression she suffered from has drawn renewed attention from society.
In September 2021, the renowned medical journal “The Lancet Psychiatry” published an article indicating that the lifetime prevalence rate of depressive disorders among Chinese adults is approximately 6.8%.
This data sufficiently demonstrates that the number of people suffering from depression in our country is relatively high, so let us not underestimate this illness; it is not simply a matter of being overly sensitive and can potentially threaten personal safety in serious cases.
For most people, the image of singer Coco Lee is optimistic and cheerful. Every time they see her smiling face, it brings them motivation and happiness.
Therefore, Coco Lee’s passing has left most people in shock and confusion, wondering why a seemingly bright and cheerful person could easily fall into depression.
Actually, this reflects a misunderstanding of depression; many patients with depression often conceal their condition. To outsiders, they may appear optimistic and cheerful, physically and mentally healthy, yet in private corners, their inner world may be particularly dark, even wishing to swiftly leave this beautiful world.
What is depression?
Depression is a common mental illness that affects people’s emotions, behavior, and physical state.
The main symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of interest, changes in appetite, self-neglect, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can significantly impact individuals’ daily lives and work, and even lead to suicide.
Data shows that the age group for depression sufferers largely falls between 18 to 35 years old, with a higher prevalence in females compared to males.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, the global number of depression patients has exceeded 350 million, with approximately 60 million in China alone. This data illustrates how severely depression has harmed the physical and mental health of everyone.
In severe cases, patients with depression may also exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia or paranoid delusions. Each depressive episode typically lasts about two weeks, and any external stimulus could trigger a relapse.
Recently, singer Coco Lee took her own life due to depression, and in past years, several celebrities have also died by suicide due to depression, including Leslie Cheung, singer Benshi, South Korean celebrity Sulli, and Qiao Renliang. These well-known figures succumbed to depression, while actress Ma Sichun has publicly shared her struggles with the illness.
Do people who smile a lot not get depressed?
Though those who smile often may find it easier to maintain a cheerful mood, it does not guarantee they will not suffer from depression. Depression is a complex mental illness, with causes involving genetics, lifestyle, environment, and many other factors.
Even those who typically exhibit a cheerful demeanor may fall into depression due to life changes, interpersonal relationships, and other reasons. Therefore, we cannot simply conclude that “those who smile” are immune to depression.
