According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues contribute to approximately US$1 trillion in lost productivity each year. Mental health is not just an individual's concern; it is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of every individual and organization

School has provided its own slew of challenges since the beginning of time: from organising which subjects to take that semester, navigating your way to classes, managing your schedule, getting to know your teachers once again, meeting new friends that you can connect with, not to mention exams, the never-ending demand of assignments and everything in between.

Language is a powerful tool that can either build relationships and connect people or create barriers that affect a person's sense of belonging. The words we use shape our perception of the world and those around us. They can convey hope and opportunity or reinforce negative stereotypes and low expectations.

I used to keep my feelings, thoughts, and opinions to myself. I never explored my emotions thoroughly before. I would push them aside whenever I interacted with people or worked because I didn't want anyone to know the challenges I faced at work, except for my closest friends. Writing has become a powerful tool for me.

When did playing stop being part of our lives? Who said that only children are allowed to play and enjoy? Why do we take ourselves too seriously, that we forget we could take a few minutes in our day to make our inner child happy? As adults, sometimes we feel like there is not enough time in our day to just play.

These books, written by Asian authors, specifically address mental health in the context of different Asian cultures, where often health is neglected to achieve high standards of education and work quality. If you identify with that, or have been looking for mental health stories that you resonate with culturally, here are some brilliantly crafted stories that are unforgettable.