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.

Here are five books Natasha would recommend to someone going through heartbreak. These narratives helped her rediscover a sense of self, foster a better relationship with her body, and recognise the importance of community in her healing journey.

Harmful portrayals of mental health can lead viewers to believe that this is the lived reality of people diagnosed with mental health conditions, perpetuating stigma. Already, they are often portrayed as violent. The romanticisation of mental health also contributes to misinformation about mental health and prompts users to take the wrong actions. 

In today’s world, our minds are constantly stimulated. Our attention spans are scattered into a million pieces. And that, my friend, is exactly why we need boredom.

When I was a kid, I always thought that growing up would be easy, as if everything would magically work out.