💫 Depression: "The Story in Taiwan"
After winning the 9th Annual Chuan-Shan Award, CanLove Association was featured in a special report on SET TV’s “The Story in Taiwan.” The show, hosted by the Golden Bell Award-winning host Yang Xiao-Li, who approached the topic with curiosity and compassion, found that Xiao-Li passed her depression test on the first try.
Despite the chilly weather on the filming day, Xiao-Li arrived early at the Jingxin Yuan group therapy session. Under the guidance of CanLove’s Suhe, Xiao-Li participated in the group’s relaxation exercises, which included adjusting body, mind, and breath. Curious about her emotional state, Xiao-Li used the female depression index survey to assess her mood and surprisingly found herself on the edge of the safe zone for depression.
💞 The Story of the Guardians 💞
In this special interview, two stories of families receiving support from CanLove were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of guardianship and companionship for those dealing with depression.
The first story features Xiao-Zhe’s father, who is part of a vulnerable family receiving long-term care from CanLove. Xiao-Zhe, who faced emotional challenges and autism, was referred to CanLove by his school in second grade. Through CanLove’s support, including emotional therapy and life assistance, Xiao-Zhe learned how to interact with peers and manage his emotions.
Although Xiao-Zhe’s father runs a tea stall at a night market, he is constantly worried about Xiao-Zhe at home. He describes his feelings about phone calls as being “afraid it will ring and afraid it won’t.” If the phone rings, he’s worried something has happened to Xiao-Zhe; if it doesn’t, he fears Xiao-Zhe might be in trouble at home. Therefore, during his work, he often pauses his stall to check on Xiao-Zhe, and upon finding him safe, he can return to his work with a lighter heart.
Xiao-Zhe was well aware of the worry he caused his father, who worked hard to provide for the family and care for him. One night during his senior year, Xiao-Zhe woke his father and assured him that he would take his medication regularly and improve, so his father wouldn’t have to worry. Hearing this, the father, who was in tears, felt immense relief and gratitude, knowing his son was committed to getting better.
Despite the modest income from his tea stall, Xiao-Zhe’s father manages to get by, and Xiao-Zhe’s commitment to his medication has stabilized his emotions significantly. Earlier this year, Xiao-Zhe expressed a desire to participate in vocational training, hoping for future job opportunities.
At 74, Xiao-Zhe’s father has no greater wish than for his son’s well-being. He simply hopes to continue spending time with Xiao-Zhe and ensure that his future is secure.
💞 I'm Not Alone: I Have the Ability to Help Others Too 💞
In the program, Sweet Potato Mama shared her story of overcoming severe hardships. As a child, she endured domestic violence from her father, which led her to contemplate suicide. She hoped for stability and happiness when she married her former husband, but he not only frequently stayed away from home and neglected financial responsibilities but also accumulated significant debt from gambling. This forced Sweet Potato Mama to support their three children on her own.
Selling sweet potatoes provided only a meager income, and the burden of supporting her children and the uncertainty about the future worsened her depression. However, during this challenging time, she found support through CanLove. Monthly financial assistance and parenting group sessions offered her and her children learning opportunities and helped her heal from her trauma.
With the long-term support and companionship from CanLove, Sweet Potato Mama gradually opened up and began to emerge from her struggles as a single mother. She started participating in CanLove’s emotional support volunteer courses, discovering her own strength to help others.
Now, she regularly engages in volunteer services for the elderly and children whenever she can. Sweet Potato Mama has rebuilt her life and become a volunteer, dedicating herself to assisting those in need.
*🎬🎬 “In Taiwan’s Story” EP1068 – As Long as You Are Willing, Everyone Has the Right to Happiness
🎬🎬 “In Taiwan’s Story” EP106 Preview – Depression Is Not Scary; It Can Be Healed
🎬🎬 9th Transmission of Goodness Awards – CanLove Association Highlights: Let Us Share the Secret to Happiness