SINGAPORE - Local songbird Stefanie Sun admits she suffered from depression for a year.

During that period of time, she could hardly speak and was suspicious of everyone around her.

Shin Min evening daily reported that the singer very quickly shot to fame, but within the first 3 to 4 years of stardom, she suddenly "retired" from showbiz for a year.

Sun admitted that she would avoid colleagues who knocked on her door by blasting music and pretending she didn't hear them to avoid all matters relating to work.

Others from showbiz speculated that the star's quick rise to fame brought too much stress and pressure, causing her to sink into depression.

But the singer initially denied being depressed and reportedly said that her health was well.

She also said that the one year break was to recharge herself.

However, when Sun was interviewed by a Hong Kong entertainment channel and quizzed about her health condition, she admitted she had struggled with depression.

She said: "That period of time was the lowest point in my life."

She added that she could hardly talk or relate to others at work. Even though she wanted to strike a conversation, she could not bring herself to.

Her thoughts also became very negative, thinking the worst of all her problems.

She would have doubts about the encouragement that came from close friends. When she received affirmation and applause from fans, she felt all of it was false.

As a result, Sun felt that she had to take a break from showbiz, knowing that her condition would worsen if she did not retreat to rest.

She also said candidly that she faced opposition with wanting to take a break because she was the main money spinner for her record company at that time.

Now the singer, who is in better spirits, attributes her recovery to friends who have given her the space for self-reflection. She realised that the world still revolves without her, and things go on - a realisation that has helped her to see more meaning to life.

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