Earlier this week, Hong Kong singer-actor Ronald Cheng surprised many when he announced on Facebook that he will be taking an indefinite hiatus due to “emotional and health issues”.
The 52-year-old said he will take a step back to rest after his Fragments of Wonder concert wraps in Kaohsiung end September, sparking concerns for his health and rumours that he is retiring from showbiz.
Ronald has since addressed specualtions, revealing that he has been diagnosed with depression and is now seeking help.
In a lengthy post on Facebook on Aug 6, he opened up about his struggles with depression and alcoholism.
Despite his public persona as a comedian and fun-loving guy, he has been battling these issues for years.
“I have not been able to cope with stress well and have been quite immature,” he said.
He cited how his drunken brawl during a flight in 2000 and his secret four-year marriage to Hong Kong singer-actress Charlene Choi in 2006, made him deeply reflect on his own issues.
Things changed after he met his wife, former television anchor Sammie Yu, and he finally quit drinking in 2011 because of his daughter Emma, now 13. The couple also have a nine-year-old son, Evan.
Things seemed fine and blissful on the surface, but when faced with pressure and work, he “couldn’t communicate well or handle many things properly, disappointing [his] family”.
“At a friend’s suggestion, I sought medical help and was diagnosed with depression. With medication it was under control, however, I made the wrong decision again, choosing to turn to alcohol to escape reality. My wife has also told me that I was only deceiving myself,” he wrote.
Ronald shared that he has been spending the past few days reflecting on himself and has decided to take a step back from his work to focus on his own well-being.
He acknowledged his struggles have taken a toll on his family, particularly his wife and kids, and apologised to them.
“I will prove with time and actions that I will work hard to fulfill my commitment to be a good husband and father,” he said.
When he completes his jobs at hand, his wife will accompany him to the United States where he will seek treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation centre.
“I’m already in my 50s, I need to think clearly about how to face myself before facing everyone else. I hope to come back as a better person,” he wrote.