December 18 marks the 7th anniversary of SHINee’s Jonghyun’s passing. SHINee’s Official Instagram shared a tribute on social media, posting a stage photo of Jonghyun with the caption, "We will always love you."
Fellow SHINee member Minho has expressed his heartfelt sentiments on social media this year, writing, "Love you so much."
In last year’s tribute, he wrote, "Thanks to you, today feels like a warm winter. I miss you even more this year." He also shared, "I just visited you and had the chance to meet your mother after a long time. Don’t worry; I comforted her well."
Jonghyun passed away on December 18, 2017, at the age of 27. It was later revealed that he had been battling depression.
In the farewell letter released with his family’s consent, Jonghyun wrote, "I was broken from the inside. The depression that slowly ate away at me eventually swallowed me whole, and I couldn’t overcome it," and, "I was entirely alone. I hoped someone would notice, but no one did."
Depression, classified as a mental health disorder, is characterized by a sustained decrease in overall mental functioning, including thoughts, motivation, interest, actions, sleep, and physical activity, which can significantly affect daily life. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness, depression is diagnosed when the condition persists and interferes with basic living activities.
Those suffering from depression often experience issues with appetite and sleep, as well as persistent emotional pain that makes even simple tasks difficult to manage.
Experts stress the importance of seeking professional help from a psychiatrist if depression is suspected. During winter, the colder weather and reduced sunlight can increase the likelihood of depression, as people tend to stay indoors more and socialize less. Research also indicates that shorter daylight hours in winter can contribute to seasonal depression.
According to the American health magazine 'Health', certain foods can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression. Vitamin D, found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, as well as in milk, eggs, and mushrooms, can help replenish deficiencies. Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective in mitigating seasonal depression. A study by the Nanshan Chronic Disease Control Center in China found that consuming 1g of omega-3 fatty acids daily can ease depression symptoms. Foods rich in omega-3 include seeds, nuts, and fish.
Jonghyun remains deeply loved and remembered by fans and his peers, with ongoing tributes and support from the SHINee fandom and organizations like the Shiny Foundation, which was established in his memory.