MP Sirilapas: Beyond politics, a mental health advocate

File photo: Move Forward MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn

On January 5, 2024, during a House of Representatives debate on the draft Budget Expenditure Act, Move Forward MP Sirilapas Kongtrakarn openly discussed psychiatric issues, revealing her personal struggle with depression.

“I want to convey to individuals facing depression and other mental disorders that you are not alone,” Sirilapas said during an interview with Thai PBS World, adding “There are others fighting against the illness and there is someone advocating for you.”

She overcame her fear of disclosing her depression after her first visit to a psychiatrist. “I am courageous enough to embrace my imperfections,” she said.

Her depression began with insomnia, impacting her work. After a year of medication and improvement, she believed she had recovered, but stopping the medication led to a worsening of the symptoms,…