Actor Ryan Lian after hitting rock bottom: 'Spore is wealthy, but there are still people struggling'
Lim Ruey Yan
The Straits Times
June 12, 2025
Local actor Ryan Lian is determined to overcome his depression after experiencing the ups and downs of life in recent months.
Disclosing on social media on June 10 that he has roamed the streets in the last four months, he wrote: "I ate the steamed cakes used by people for praying when I was very hungry, and wore the clothes given by passers-by when I was caught in the rain."
The 39-year-old wrote that it was around the time when his grandmother died. "I said to my grandmother's body that I have to treat my illness and make a name for myself," he wrote in Chinese. "I will do good deeds in her name when I become successful one day."
Lian was in the news when he was arrested in September 2024 under the mental health act. He was caught on video allegedly tampering with the digital door lock of an HDB flat.
The actor previously opened up to Shin Min Daily News in 2022 about his three-year struggle with depression. He told the Chinese-language newspaper in October 2024 that he spent five days at the Institute of Mental Health after he was arrested the previous month.
He was injured in a slashing attack outside Nex mall in Serangoon in November 2024, when he was reportedly slashed three times on the face.
Lian, who has starred in movies such as Take 2 (2017) and King Of Hawkers (2024), thanked the passers-by and friends who have helped him recently.
"I have gone through the tough days, so I will help the elderly and needy children when I have the ability in the future," he wrote. "Singapore is wealthy, but there are still poor families struggling to make ends meet."
Helplines
Mental well-being
- Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
- Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
Counselling
- Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
- We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
- Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources
- mindline.sg
- eC2.sg
- www.tinklefriend.sg
- www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
- carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
- limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
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