Yvonne Lim, a familiar face to audiences across Singapore and Taiwan, has opened up about a deeply personal struggle with depression and loneliness following her move to Taipei in 2015. The 49-year-old actress, known for her roles in Singaporean dramas and her subsequent function in Taiwan, shared her experiences on the Mediacorp travelogue series Those Days Those Places, revealing the emotional toll of uprooting her life for love and motherhood. Lim’s story highlights the often-unseen challenges faced by individuals who relocate for relationships, and the importance of addressing mental health, even when outwardly successful.
Lim’s decision to move to Taiwan came with her marriage to Alex Tien, a 46-year-old businessman and former member of the Taiwanese boy band B.A.D. Initially, she envisioned the relocation as a temporary one, approximately two years in length. “Back then, when I gave up everything and moved back to Taipei with him, I felt really down for a while,” she explained on the program, which was uploaded to YouTube on March 10. “I didn’t think too much about it, I just thought I’d be a good mum and a good wife. I gave up everything and stayed for two years. I thought I could handle two years.” The reality, although, proved far more tricky than anticipated.
The Weight of Isolation
Leaving behind a strong support network in Singapore was a significant sacrifice. Lim found herself grappling with isolation in a fresh country, compounded by the demands of motherhood and a partner who, she described, was often reserved. “I didn’t expect to feel so unhappy when I was there,” she shared. “I felt like I had no friends and Alex is a very quiet person, he never took me out, and I took care of our kid at home every day. I think I developed a bit of depression at that time.” This period of emotional struggle underscores the importance of social connection and shared experiences in maintaining mental well-being.
The decision to prioritize her relationship with Tien, while courageous, came at a cost. Lim had built a thriving career in Singapore, and leaving it behind represented a substantial risk. She acknowledged taking a “gamble on love,” but the emotional consequences of that gamble were significant. Starting anew in Taiwan meant navigating a foreign culture, building a new life from scratch, and confronting the fear of the unknown. “I had a lot of fear back then. You’re starting from zero in a place where you know no one,” she said.
Finding Support and a Path Forward
A turning point came with the development of friendships with Taiwanese actress and singer Sunnie Huang and other individuals in Taiwan. These connections provided Lim with a crucial social outlet and a sense of belonging. “You guys took care of me because you let me feel that warmth… You made me feel that I wasn’t alone,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the support she received. This newfound community ultimately enabled her to stay in Taiwan for a decade, far exceeding her initial two-year plan.
In 2025, the family made the decision to return to Singapore, a move driven by a desire to be closer to extended family and to provide new opportunities for her children, AJ, 11, and Alexa, 9, who are now enrolled in Singaporean schools. According to the Straits Times, Lim reflected on the initial move to Taiwan, stating, “At that time (in 2015), I saw how tired Alex was. I felt I should fulfil my responsibility as a wife and move over. But now, after 10 years, we have reached this point. Everything was done for the sake of the children and now This proves time for the next step.”
Yvonne Lim and family at Star Awards 2025.
PHOTO: MEDIACORP
Balancing Career and Family
Lim’s return to Singapore has been marked by professional success and a renewed focus on family. She recently received the All Time Favourite Artiste award alongside host Pornsak at the Star Awards in 2025. She is currently preparing for a role in the Channel 8 crime drama No Other Way, set to air in July. 8days reports that Lim is also considering taking time off work to support her son, AJ, as he prepares for his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in 2026.
Lim’s willingness to share her experiences with depression serves as a powerful reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their public image or professional achievements. Her story encourages open conversations about emotional well-being and the importance of seeking support when needed. The experience underscores the complexities of navigating life transitions, the value of strong social connections, and the courage it takes to prioritize one’s mental health.
As Lim balances her career and family life in Singapore, her story continues to resonate with audiences. Her next project, No Other Way, is expected to premiere in July, offering viewers another opportunity to see her talent on screen. The ongoing conversation surrounding mental health, sparked by her openness, is a testament to the impact of sharing personal stories and fostering a more compassionate understanding of emotional struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental health concerns, please reach out for help. You can contact the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) at 1800-283-7019 or visit their website at https://www.samhealth.org.sg/.
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