Singer Ali revealed that she has struggled with depression in the past on an episode on “Differential Class.”
On the August 22 episode of “Differential Class,” a JTBC program where professor lecture and engage with guest celebrities, touched on the topic of suicide and depression.
During the episode, Song In-han, a social welfare professor at Yonsei University, asked if suicide prevention is at all possible. The question is an important one for a country that has the highest suicide rate in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries; on average, 40 people commit suicide every day in South Korea.
Ali, a singer who borrowed her name from the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, turned the conversation to mental illness and depression to answer. Stirring the hearts of the audience members, the singer honestly shared her experience with depression.
“Ten years ago I suddenly stopped leaving my room because of depression” she revealed. However, she points out that when that the mental illness doesn’t just affect one person, but many. “I think that it was a very challenging period for my family and it is hard to think about,” the singer said.
Fortunately, Ali had someone who she was able to turn to: her mother.
During this time, the singer’s mother recommended an “activity” for her daughter to do, and luckily it turned out well. “After doing what my mother recommended, I thought (to myself) that I wanted to live,” she revealed. The “activity” will be unveiled during the broadcast.
On the other hand, Professor Song stressed that advice should not be given out carelessly to though who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. In fact, the professor points out, insincere support can worsen the situation. DinDin, who was also on the show, agreed with the professor commenting that sometimes where people are depressed that what the people around them say can be unhelpful.
Meanwhile, the full episode will are on August 22.
Translated by O.C
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