KUALA LUMPUR: After K-Pop idol Taeyeon had shared about her struggle with depression recently, a doctor of neuropsychology has commented that her confession should not be taken lightly.
According to Koreaboo, Dr Son Suk Han explained that the post by the 30-year-old member of popular South Korean music group Girls’ Generation was a “brave cry for help”.
He said: “It’s very often for celebrities to not seek treatment or stop treatments for depression because of the negative view and stereotypes society has on mental illnesses. It was a very brave cry for help.”
The doctor added that it was crucial for her fans to act fast and show their support for her since mental illnesses is generally still viewed negatively in Korean society.
“The fans’ reactions are very important in this situation. She took the courage to confess the struggles she’s facing with her illness and seek help. But if she’s faced with malicious comments, it can worsen her symptoms and have an even more negative effect.
“Depression is something that can effect celebrities and non-celebrities alike. It’s time to encourage and comfort them instead of judging them for it,” he said.
On Sunday, Taeyeon revealed that she has been struggling with depression and is currently receiving treatment for it during an Instagram Story Q&A session with fans.
When a fan tried to make a joke about whether she was bipolar instead, the idol replied with: “No, I’m suffering from depression. I’m trying my best to fight it through medication. Whether it’s bipolar disorder or depression, please don’t look down on it with disgust like some people. We’re all patients with an illness.”
Many fans have since expressed their solitude and sent her messages of encouragement. One wrote: “The loneliest people are the kindest, the saddest people smile the brightest and the most damaged people are the wisest, all because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do. You’ll always be the strongest kid leader that I know. #WeLoveYouTaeYeon.”
Another said: “We will always be with you, we will fight together! WE ARE #SONE ! WE ARE #TYSONE! #WeLoveYouTaeYeon.”