Barbie Hsu's Long-Term Mental Health Struggles Reportedly Finally Improved 3 Months Before Her Death

Being under the constant spotlight is never easy, especially for someone who entered showbiz at the tender age of 17.

But that was the reality of Barbie Hsu's life.

Reports about the late Taiwanese actress' long battle with mental health issues — namely depression and panic disorder — have recently resurfaced after a close friend of the Hsu sisters recalled Barbie's final months before her passing.

Barbie died at the age of 48 from influenza-associated pneumonia during a family trip to Japan in February 2025.

Her friend recently shared that in the three to four months before her passing, Barbie's mental state had become much more stable than before.

She reportedly chatted with others more often, appeared much more cheerful, and spent more time interacting with family and friends.

Looking back, her friend said that this brief period, during which Barbie seemed to regain her vitality, has made her passing even more heartbreaking. It has also become one of the most cherished final memories for those closest to her.

According to reports, Barbie revealed on her sister Dee Hsu's talk show, Kangsi Coming, that she had suffered from depression, as well as anorexia and epilepsy.

She apparently also suffered from panic disorder, which had a significant impact on her emotional well-being and daily life.

It was said that the actress spent long periods at home, rarely went out, had little contact with the outside world, and spoke very little, leading an extremely low-profile life.

Speaking about her condition at the time, Barbie once said: "My sister Dee told me that every time she saw me lying at home because of my depression, she was afraid I might pick up a knife and kill her."

With the help of doctors and the support of her family and friends, however, Barbie was eventually able to overcome her depression.