For two years, Hongkonger Ng Mei-ling only left her flat for regular visits to a psychiatrist.
She said she had to quit her clerk job after she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder due to work pressure in 2017.
Her symptoms had worsened. She had a rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, insomnia and a lack of appetite.
“I couldn’t accept my illness at first,” Ng said. “I stayed at home and didn’t go out at all unless I had to see a doctor.”
Ng is at ease recounting this particularly dark period of her life and has even gone on to design a collection of clothes that tells her personal story of recovery from mental illness and raises public awareness about the condition.
“In fashion design, I discovered I was able to have achievements and I shouldn’t underestimate myself,” she said.
