Viewing Depression Through "Through The Night" — Turns Out Depression Goes Beyond Just Sadness

Do I even have the right to "vent my negativity"?

Am I really worth saving?

Life in Hong Kong is at a high-ray speed— a city where the streets are filled with sighs and the occasional curse. In such a high-pressure environment, we often unconsciously redirect our inner struggles into quiet resentment, which can erupt without warning, sometimes hurting those closest to us. Still, we're constantly told to "stay strong" and not to show any "weakness." That’s why asking for help — or even just expressing how we feel — takes tremendous courage.

"Through The Night" (《求救的勇氣》), a song by Hong Kong singer Panther Chan, captures this torment and inner conflict perfectly.

Known as the "social worker of the music scene," Panther’s songs have accompanied many through difficult times — and this track is no exception. She composed the music and wrote the lyrics herself. The music video starts with a relatable scene: against a pitch-black background, white text appears on the left, typing: "Are you OK?" On the right, a response hesitantly begins with "I don't know why today..."— only to be deleted and replaced with "OK. No worries." This moment of hesitation, along with the lyrics that follow, echoes the hidden voices of many and even brings light to lesser-known symptoms of depression.

// Who hasn't been scarred by wounds? It's nothing extraordinary (誰也受過創傷沒多不得了)

If tears fall, don't let them spill in chaos (若流淚也不要亂叫) //

Many people mistakenly think depression is simply about "feeling unhappy" or "losing motivation." But they overlook the complex inner world of those living with it. Some may compare their pain to others', convincing themselves they’re overreacting. But denying your feelings only traps you in a negative cycle, often leading to shame and fear, which deepens loneliness. Research shows that the lower one’s acceptance of emotions, the more depressive symptoms tend to accumulate — and this affects everyone, regardless of gender.

// If cries for help come in levels, I’m not yet till the breaking point (求救若有等級未到撐不了)

But why do I feel so utterly drained? (為何我卻感到累了) //

When people with depression compare their suffering to others’, they might set up an internal "standard of pain" to assess their own situation. They could think, "this doesn't seem like real 'pain'— am I faking it? Or am I just too weak?’ This mindset not only invalidates their experience but delays their willingness to seek help. In reality, no matter how serious the symptoms may seem, everyone deserves the space to "call for help" — whether that’s talking to someone you trust, or reaching out to professionals such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counselors, or social workers.

// Turns out, voicing for help is harder to utter than the pain itself

(原來放聲求救對比起痛更難説出口) //

Seeking help is never easy. People with depression may delay or avoid it for many reasons. Some think the symptoms will fade with time. Others struggle to confront their emotions, or simply feel undeserving of care.

But depression is not the same as sadness — it often involves physical factors as well. Without proper treatment, it can worsen. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to manage. Untreated depression can even lead to other health conditions, such as heart disease.

// Turns out, daring to ask for help is already enough to be healed by courage (原來我敢求救已經足以被勇氣治好)

I believe I can make it through (相信我會做到)

One day, I’ll be able to return your hugs (等一天我可還給你擁抱) //

No matter what you’re going through or where your path leads, if negative emotions are weighing you down, remember: you do have the right to "vent your negativity" — and you absolutely deserve to be supported. Emotions and pain should never be compared or measured. Seeking help isn't a weakness. It’s the strength to face your wounds and take that brave first step toward healing.

Behind this screen, I hope you find a little comfort and a spark of courage in these lyrics. May you learn to accept your "not OK" moments, and trust that asking for help is the truest form of bravery.

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Reference:

https://www.roadtogrowthcounseling.com/comparative-suffering/