4/1/25 April Fool’s Day

Today is April 1—April Fool’s Day. But for me, it is not a day of pranks or laughter. Instead, it is a day of mourning and reflection.

Twenty-two years ago, my favorite singer, Leslie Cheung, took his own life by jumping from the 24th floor of a hotel in Hong Kong’s Central business district. He left a suicide note that began with a single, heartbreaking word: “Depression!” In the note, he expressed gratitude to his psychiatrist, family, and close friends. He ended with a haunting question: In my life, I have done nothing bad. Why does it have to be like this?

He was only 46 years old—a gifted entertainer with a gentle soul. Millions of fans around the world mourned his passing.

For me, April 1 is a day to reflect and advocate for mental health awareness. Depression kills. We must support those struggling with mental illness. Mental health conditions are not signs of weakness or a lack of self-control. They are illnesses—just like cancer or heart disease—that require professional treatment and societal support.

Unfortunately, mental health advocacy remains less widespread than efforts for other health issues like breast cancer and heart disease. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, mental health struggles have surged. According to a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) report, global mental health issues have risen by 25%, particularly among young people. This crisis affects us all, and it is crucial to raise awareness and encourage those in need to seek help.

Mental Health by the Numbers:

• Globally, 1 in 8 people (970 million) live with a mental disorder in 2019.
  
  

• In the United States:
  
  

• In 2022, 59.3 million adults (23.1%) experience a mental illness.
  
  

• In 2021, 14.1 million adults (5.5%) suffer from a serious mental illness.
  
  

• 49.5% of adolescents have a mental disorder.
  
  

Common Mental Health Conditions:

• Anxiety disorders (31.6%)
  
  

• Depression (22.8%)
  
  

• Substance use disorders (19.4%)
  
  

• Bipolar disorder (4.7%)
  
  

• Schizophrenia (1.2%)
  
  

These statistics are staggering. Nearly everyone knows someone battling mental health challenges—it could be you, a family member, or a close friend.

So, what can we do?

• Show love and compassion.
  
  

• Listen without judgment.
  
  

• Encourage professional help.
  
  

• Advocate for better mental health awareness and support systems.
  
  

Mental health matters. Let’s break the stigma and stand together for those who need us.