The suicide of Chinese-American singer-songwriter Coco Lee Man, known for her battle with depression, has sparked discussions on Chinese social media platforms, bringing attention to the concept of “smiling depression” where individuals mask their anxiety behind a facade of happiness.
In response to Lee’s tragic death, Hong Kong action movie superstar Jackie Chan expressed his grief and admiration for the singer, highlighting her talent and positive impact on people’s lives. Fans flooded Lee’s Weibo account, bidding farewell to the artist who always portrayed a vibrant persona and radiated positive energy.
One fan expressed hope that the news was untrue, praising Lee for her resilience in fighting her battles. Lee’s final post on May 20 advocated her new song, “Fight for Yourself.”
Lee’s family revealed that despite seeking professional help and making efforts to combat depression, her inner demons ultimately overwhelmed her. Reports indicate that Lee experienced marital issues in recent years, which contributed to the development of depression despite her naturally cheerful disposition. She pursued treatment and threw herself into work to uplift her spirits, but her condition deteriorated rapidly until she took her own life at home on July 2.
Identifying symptoms of “smiling depression” can be challenging for the general public, but individuals close to the sufferers may notice changes in their responses to the outside world, explained Zhang Kan, a researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy Sciences.
The causes of depression remain elusive, as the condition can stem from various factors such as brain injuries or significant life changes, Zhang added.
The tragic incident has spurred discussions on social media in China about topics including why people who frequently smile also suffer from depression, how to address depression, and the public’s understanding of the illness.
Depressive disorder, or depression, is a prevalent mental health condition affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In China, more than 95 million individuals suffer from depression, as per a survey on Chinese citizens’ mental health published in The Lancet in September 2021.
However, the survey revealed that over 90% of Chinese individuals with depressive disorders do not seek treatment, and only 0.5% receive adequate care. Experts attribute this to factors such as difficulties expressing emotions (alexithymia), inadequate medical resources, and the lengthy and costly treatment process.
China currently has around 40,000 registered psychiatrists, while the number of people with mental disorders exceeds 200 million, as reported in December 2022.
The cost of a psychotherapy course for depression in Beijing hospitals is nearly 10,000 yuan, with patients facing a waiting period of one to two months for psychological counseling, according to information obtained from psychiatric hospitals by the Global Times.
Experts emphasize the need for enhanced social recognition of depression, urging society to acknowledge its severity as a common illness that can be treated. They also suggest including antidepressants in the medical insurance system to improve accessibility to these medications. In addition to medication, a collective effort from society and families is crucial in supporting patients through their journey to recovery.