Singer Coco Lee unfortunately committed suicide! She looked sunny and optimistic, why did she suffer from depression?

Last night, Coco Lee’s sister Nancy Li posted on Weibo:

To all the fans and friends who love CoCo Lee:

With great sadness, we have to tell you a sad news: CoCo suffered from depression a few years ago. After a long battle with the disease, her condition took a turn for the worse recently. She committed suicide at home on July 2. She remained in a coma after being sent to the hospital. After the hospital team's efforts to rescue and treat her, she finally passed away on July 5. 2023 should have been the 30th anniversary of CoCo's debut. In the past 29 years, she has not only brought us endless joy and surprises with her energetic songs and dances, but also worked hard to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene. She has been doing her best to shine for the Chinese people. We are proud of her. As CoCo's family, we are very grateful and honored to have such an excellent and outstanding sister. We are grateful to God for giving us such a kind angel. We hope that she has gone to a happier place and is no longer suffering from depression. We believe that God will definitely give her the best arrangement! Now, our biggest responsibility is to take good care of our elderly mother. I hope everyone will pray for this old lady and give us space and time to heal our pain! Finally, I would like to thank the medical staff for their dedicated rescue and care throughout the process. At the same time, I hope that in addition to remembering CoCo, you will also share her iconic bright smile, treat others sincerely, and pass on kindness and love to everyone around you, continuing CoCo's wish - to let everyone around her feel her love and happiness. Although CoCo did not stay in the world for a long time, her light will be immortal!

Carol & Nancy cried

On the day of her suicide, she sent a message to her fans: "I feel everyone's love and support for me. You are my backer, and I will do my best. During this time, I hope you are healthy and happy. I miss you all very much. I will work harder. I miss you all. I love you."

It was depression again that took away a young life.

In 2019, a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry showed that the lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders among Chinese adults was 6.8%, with the prevalence among women being twice that of men, and most patients with depressive disorders having obvious social dysfunction.

A Chinese survey report shows that among hospitalized patients with depression, 30%-50% have attempted suicide. Among patients visiting depression clinics, 20%-40% have engaged in self-harm. "15-30 years old and over 65 years old are the two age groups with the highest risk."

Dr. Tan Zhonglin, chief physician and director of the Depression Disorders Department at the Affiliated Mental Health Center of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital), mentioned that studies have shown that among the factors related to suicide, depression ranks first. Therefore, early identification of depression and early systematic treatment can effectively reduce the occurrence of suicidal behavior. "The systematic treatment mentioned here refers to the treatment of the entire course of the disease, that is, the treatment of the acute phase, consolidation phase and maintenance phase. The purpose is to help patients restore sleep and eating, and restore physiological balance; at the same time, restore mental and psychological emotional balance, reduce despair and impulsivity, and rebuild self-confidence in work and life."

Coco Lee committed suicide and many netizens expressed shock and difficulty in accepting it, saying, "How could such a sunny and optimistic person suffer from depression?"

Director Tan said that indeed, when many people mention depression, they are more likely to think of neurotic type, frustration type, blow type, and "Lin Daiyu" type. But in fact, there is also an endogenous depression, which is caused by changes in neurotransmitters in the brain inside the human body and is usually difficult to detect.

"Endogenous depression was once a diagnostic category for depression, which is in sharp contrast to reactive depression caused by setbacks. Smiling depression means smiling in front of others, but being depressed and in pain inside." Tan Zhonglin mentioned, "Don't think that this kind of depression is rare, it is actually very close to us."

Tan Zhonglin said that from a clinical point of view, some people are more likely to suffer from smiling depression. These people tend to attach great importance to their image in front of others, have a strong self-esteem, do not want to let outsiders know when they have emotional problems, are unwilling to show weakness, and are unwilling to seek help from doctors, thus delaying treatment.

Tan Zhonglin once treated a patient who seemed to be emotionally stable when he came to the clinic. He was very calm when he talked about his condition, as if he was talking about someone else's business. But in Tan Zhonglin's opinion, this was the "protective color" that the patient put on himself. After a systematic examination and scale analysis, the patient's depression, anxiety, and suicide scores were very high, and he was already a relatively serious depression. If he was not carefully analyzed and evaluated, perhaps no one would associate him with depression.

"Low mood, loss of interest, and lack of pleasure are the core symptoms of depression." Tan Zhonglin said that for patients with depression, family members and all sectors of society should give them more care and protection. Sometimes, a caring greeting, a warm look, or a simple companionship may help them alleviate or dispel negative thoughts.

Metropolis Express·Chengshi Interactive Reporter Jin Jing Luo Yi

Editor Pan Lei Deputy Editor Yu Qianqian Jin Jing

Producer Xu Fang