Before starting your gap year, figure out your goals. Decide whether your main goal is to rest, to catch up on studies, to learn a new skill or spend more time with loved ones.

Growing up in an Asian household, I was taught early on that strength meant hiding my emotions.

Depression? Not on my radar. Even when I hid, crying in bathroom stalls at work, I chided myself: You’re not incapacitated. You’re not missing deadlines. What depression?

Then I discovered high-functioning depression—and the invisible came to light.

We often hear about emotional release in extremes — tears, therapy, breakdowns, or dramatic moments of “letting it all out.” And while I respect that level of expressive flair, I’ve come to realise that healing doesn’t always have to be loud to be real.

Have you ever said yes to an invitation when you really wanted to say no? Spent way too long editing a simple text to avoid upsetting someone? Pretended to like something you hated because you felt so uncomfortable disagreeing?  This article is for you.

So, what is it like to be a Glass Child when you’re 50? Glass Child is a term often used to describe a child who has had to grow up with a sibling whose illness, disability, developmental issue or high-attention need requires more parental attention. In this article, Yasmeen shares her sage experience.