Last chance to enjoy festive events before the New Year in Pittsburgh

In Taiwan, a unique event took place that encouraged individuals to embrace their emotions in a supportive environment. In 2023, Harry Li initiated a light-hearted gathering at Da'an Forest Park in Taipei, inspired by a poignant scene from the Taiwanese film 'Vive L'Amour' where a character exhibits her loneliness through tears. What began as an online joke among friends quickly grew into a significant public participation event, attracting over 33,000 attendees as people gathered to weep, laugh, dance, and share stories together, reflecting a collective desire to confront and normalize their feelings. The event highlighted Taiwan's increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years, particularly due to the alarming rates of anxiety and depression within its urban population. Research has shown that between 2010 to 2020, one in four individuals aged 30 to 45 in Taiwan exhibited signs of mental health struggles. This prompted the government to launch various initiatives, including free counseling programs tailored for different age groups, aiming to address these pressing issues by providing support and resources for mental wellbeing. During the event, attendees engaged in various activities like singing, dancing, and conversing, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and understanding. Li expressed his surprise at the level of participation, reinforcing the idea that being vulnerable and accepting one's feelings, especially on New Year's Eve, is perfectly okay. Many participants, inspired by the communal spirit, felt a sense of relief as they interacted with others who shared similar sentiments about the pressures of modern life. As the event took place again in December 2024, it underscored the ongoing conversation about mental health in Taiwan and reflected a cultural shift towards openness and acceptance around emotional expression, particularly in urban settings where isolation is often prevalent. Li hopes that such gatherings not only provide a release for those who need it but also serve as a catalyst for broader societal change in how emotional health is perceived and prioritized in Taiwanese society.