Coco Lee Man, a renowned Hong Kong-born singer, tragically took her own life after a prolonged battle with depression, creating a significant impact on Chinese social media platforms. This unfortunate event of Coco Lee Man’s suicide has brought attention to the concept of “smiling depression,” a form of depression where individuals experience inner anxiety while outwardly presenting a facade of happiness.
On July 6, Hong Kong action movie superstar Jackie Chan expressed his grief for Coco Lee Man’s suicide in a heartfelt post on Sina Weibo. Jackie Chan wrote, “Coco, you were a born star with excellent talent and unique personal style, your voice, your dance and your bright smile affect so many people. You have given so much to the world. One more star goes to the sky now, and I hope there won’t be any more disease or pain for you. Rest in peace,“
In a statement released by Lee’s family, they acknowledged Coco Lee Man’s mental health and her tireless efforts to combat depression by seeking professional help. However, the insidious nature of the condition ultimately overwhelmed Coco Lee Man’s mental health.
Despite her naturally cheerful disposition, this Hong Kong-born singer faced marital problems several years ago, which contributed to the development of depression. She immersed herself in work as a coping mechanism, but her condition deteriorated rapidly until she tragically ended her life at home on July 2.
Recognizing the symptoms of “smiling depression” can be challenging for the general public, but those close to the affected individuals often notice changes in their reactions to the outside world. Zhang Kan, a researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained that the development of depression is not solely attributed to disposition.
The causes of depression are still not fully understood, with brain trauma or significant life changes playing a role in its onset. These insights gain relevance in the context of Coco Lee Man’s suicide, shedding light on the complexities of mental health.
Following this tragedy of Coco Lee Man’s death, social media in China has focused on topics such as why individuals who frequently smile can still experience depression, ways to address depression, and general awareness of the condition.
Globally, depression, or depressive disorder, impacts around 280 million people, according to the World Health Organization. It is concerning that in China, over 90 percent of individuals surveyed with depressive disorders do not seek treatment, while only 0.5 percent receive adequate care.
While current antidepressants have proven effective, some patients make changes to or discontinue their medication without proper guidance from psychiatrists when they believe they are improving.
In addition to medication, collaboration between society and families is crucial in supporting individuals to overcome depression, as highlighted by Zhang Kan. Zhang advocates for increased social recognition of depression and suicide and urging society to understand its seriousness and recognize it as a common and treatable condition.
The tragic incident of Coco Lee Man’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, accessible treatment for depression and suicide and the collective responsibility of society and families in supporting those with depression.
By fostering a compassionate and well-informed environment, we can strive toward a future where “smiling depression” is better understood, and individuals affected by it receive the necessary support to navigate their struggles.