A Brave Confession from Actor Andie Chen

In a powerful Instagram reel, Andie Chen, the 39-year-old Singaporean actor based in Taipei, bravely shared his journey through a challenging period of depression. This revelation comes as he reflects on the overwhelming feelings he experienced after relocating from Singapore to Taipei in 2020 with his wife, actress Kate Pang, and their two young children.

Life's Struggles in a Foreign Land

Moving to a new city can be daunting, and for Chen, it became even more intense when he found himself parenting alone. With his wife often away for work, he grappled with the demands of caring for their two kids, ages six and four, in an unfamiliar environment. Chen candidly admitted that there were moments when he felt he was on the brink of breaking down, sharing that his children even caught him in tears as he faced the emotional toll of parenting solo.

A Career Hit by the Pandemic

Initially seeking to expand his career, Chen’s move coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted numerous job opportunities. The star reflects on feeling lost and struggling to adapt to everyday life, even struggling with mundane tasks like managing utility bills. As work dwindled and financial pressures mounted, his mental health took a downward spiral, leaving him feeling helpless and despondent.

Financial Strain and Personal Growth

During this period, the couple relied heavily on their savings, a stark contrast to their comfortable life in Singapore, where steady jobs and live-in help were the norms. Chen faced a tough blow to his self-esteem when he had to borrow money from his parents to fund his children's enrichment classes. "As a father, I felt inadequate asking for help at my age," he admitted, though he acknowledged that this experience highlighted who truly cared for him in tough times.

Support from Family and New Beginnings

Initially hiding his feelings from Pang, he eventually found the courage to confide in her as his struggles deepened. Thankfully, he found both understanding and support from her, strengthening their relationship during a time of crisis. Today, the family stands united and resilient as they embark on fresh opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Embracing New Opportunities

Both Andie Chen and Kate Pang are now thriving under the banner of EeLin Entertainment and will be starring together in an upcoming medical drama. Additionally, Chen is set to appear in the Channel 8 time-travel series "Fixing Fate," while Pang continues to make waves in Taiwan's film and television scene.

A Message of Hope