The recent deaths of Filipino movie icon Rolando Valdez and South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, both reportedly linked to suicide, have reignited discussions on mental health within the entertainment industry.

While investigations are underway, the prevalence of suicide among celebrities is a topic that resonates globally.

Suicide, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the celebrity sphere. Depression, substance abuse, and unhealthy lifestyles often afflict those in the public eye.

Hollywood has witnessed the tragic deaths of notable figures like Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, Alexander McQueen, and Kurt Cobain.

In the Philippines, celebrity suicides are less frequent than in Hollywood. However, mental health experts suggest that the entertainment industry can render individuals particularly vulnerable.

Colleen Carr, director of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, highlighted a 2016 CDC study indicating elevated suicide rates among those in entertainment, sports, and media.

Charles R. Cross, author of the Kurt Cobain biography, emphasized that the rise in celebrity suicides reflects a broader national crisis. The conversation surrounding suicide prevention in Hollywood persists, yet identifying and assisting individuals facing mental health crises remains challenging.

South Korea, known for its vibrant K-Pop and K-Drama scene, has grappled with a series of celebrity suicides, including Jonghyun, Sulli, and Hara Gu. Despite the nation’s global cultural influence, it continues to struggle with rising suicide rates among its youth.

Lee Sun-kyun’s recent death has brought mental health concerns to the forefront in South Korea.

A 2021 study identifies feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness as key factors leading individuals to suicide. The risk increases with diminishing happiness, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health challenges.

Researchers argue that suicide reflects society’s limitations in maintaining mental health. The psychological processes behind suicide are intricate, often involving a combination of physical and mental health issues, relationship problems, job stress, financial stress, legal issues, and substance abuse.

While more than half of successful individuals who died by suicide did not have a diagnosed mental health condition, various factors contribute to their vulnerability. Pressure to be perfect, isolation, fear of failure, insecurity, domestic issues, and the struggle to maintain work-life balance all play roles.

Success, fame, and recognition do not shield individuals from distress and disease, challenging the misconception that they equate to perpetual happiness. The stigma around mental health affects celebrities as well, with many hesitating to seek professional help when needed.

Preventing suicides among successful individuals requires responsible media reporting, programs promoting hope and rejuvenation, open discussions about mental health, and the use of crisis helplines. The recent tragedies serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative to prioritize mental well-being and dispel the notion that success alone ensures happiness.