Hanoi [Vietnam], March 9: Actor Tran Khai Thai, who played 'Doan Chi Binh', recently opened up about a dark period in his life: severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, he has a supportive wife who has cared for him and helped him gradually improve his health in his 60s.
The dark period of 'Doan Chi Binh' Tran Khai Thai
According to HK01 on March 7th, appearing on a talk show hosted by veteran MC Wang Manling, Chen Kaitai rarely confided about personal hardships. The actor who played Yin Zhiping in The Condor Heroes (1995) shared: "For over 10 years, my main work has been in mainland China. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I couldn't go there to work, I just stayed home, and that made me hit rock bottom."
Tran Khai Thai revealed that he has suffered from depression and insomnia for many years. His mother and siblings also suffered from depression, but he previously believed he wouldn't get it and considered himself very healthy. Later, he developed insomnia and depression without realizing it. The situation worsened during the pandemic, when the artist faced immense pressure due to a lack of work in both Hong Kong and mainland China. The actor was afraid to see a doctor for fear of infection and quarantine, which caused his health to deteriorate further.
In just six months, Chen Kai Tai's health deteriorated significantly. "I felt depressed, anxious, and panicked. One day I called my wife and told her I couldn't take it anymore, I was too distressed, and asked her to come home immediately." The actor's wife immediately put aside her work to be by his side, caring for him 24/7. "It was truly an unforgettable experience. At that time, she was also very distressed because she couldn't go out. In the mornings, she would just go buy food and then come straight home to be with me. Even when she took a shower, she didn't dare stay in there for too long. Only when she was by my side did I feel more comfortable and safe," he recalled. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Chen Kai Tai decided to see a psychiatrist, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Hitting rock bottom and trying to overcome depression.
The star of the film "The Great Uproar at Guangxiang Long" revealed that during the peak of his illness, he lost over ten kilograms due to the side effects of medication, at one point exceeding 95 kg. The 61-year-old actor recounted that about a year ago, he was still dependent on medication, needing to take 6-7 pills every night and another 2-3 in the morning to reduce anxiety and sleep. He had changed doctors and tried alternative therapies, but without success. Later, he underwent several detoxification treatments and began gradually reducing his medication about six months ago. Currently, the actor only needs dietary supplements to sleep peacefully.
In addition, the artist confided that during his most desperate moments, he had suicidal thoughts. "At that time, I lived on the 20th floor, constantly looking out the window, then turning back inside," he said. The star of the TV series "Detective Files" admitted that when he felt closest to death, the thing he couldn't bear the most was his wife. The actor feels fortunate that his health has improved and is grateful for the attentive and thoughtful care from his partner. "At least I got through this time. Now I know how to face it. Looking back, it was a difficult process," he revealed.
Tran Khai Thai shared that he has now regained some of his health, but still needs to improve about 40%. He advised those facing depression not to be afraid but to bravely overcome it, because the path to recovery is truly difficult.
Born in 1964 in Hong Kong, Chan Kai-Tai studied economics in Canada before working in banking. In 1990, he joined TVB, hosting several programs before trying his hand at acting. He gained attention for his roles in films such as: Detective Files, Noble Hero, Hell Angel, Brothers in Arms, The Great Uproar at Kwang Chang-Long, and The Wanted.
In particular, he is best known to audiences for his role as Yin Zhiping in the TV series The Condor Heroes (1995), starring alongside Louis Koo and Li Ruotong . Chen Kaitai's version made a strong impression and was considered "the most hateful Yin Zhiping on screen".
In 1998, Chan Kai-Tai left Hong Kong's biggest television station and was recruited by ATV with an attractive salary. The 60s-born star made a name for himself as the host of the Hong Kong version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?". He also participated in a series of works such as: "Exorcising Evil Spirits ," "Roaming the Four Seas," "The Battle of the Century," "Thirteen Lang of the South Sea," etc. In the early 2000s, the actor was one of ATV's pillars.
Tran Khai Thai lives a private life, rarely sharing details about his personal life. He married a piano teacher named Tran Y Hang in 1998. They have been happily married for nearly 30 years, despite having no children.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
