Overwork is not a new issue, but what now poses a growing threat to our mental health and work-life balance is the glorification of overwork culture in Asia. These days, “overwork” is not only acceptable, it’s inspirational.

Growing up, I never knew that anyone would bother to listen to me. Many years later, I am now recovering from depression. The process of treatment and recovery has not been the smoothest, shortest, or easiest. But wherever I turned, I found that being listened to and heard helped me best to work through what I had buried in my head. So, I have been on a journey to learn to listen.

It’s natural to judge people quickly based on their facial expressions, mannerisms, and behaviour. These implicit judgements, formed automatically based on observation, help us navigate social interactions. But while first impressions are powerful, they don’t tell the whole story. Over time, as we share experiences and truly get to know someone, our initial perceptions can change dramatically.

Autism, characterised by differences in social communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities, shapes how individuals perceive and interact with the world. These differences, while integral to autistic identity, can create significant stressors in a society often designed for neurotypical individuals. This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and overwhelm, which can contribute to mental health challenges for autistic individuals.

Picture this: a couple sits down, facing each other, and one begins to share a secret they’ve never said out loud after saying the phrase “We listen and we don't judge.” The reactions can range from laughter to shock to anger, but they cannot judge. This is the essence of the viral social media trend, “We Listen, and We Don’t Judge,” which highlights a skill that feels increasingly rare in today’s noisy, fast-paced world.

The LGBTQ+ community in Asia stands at a complex intersection of modernity and traditions. A large number of LGBTQ+ people find themselves struggling with mental health challenges, including severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and substance use as a coping mechanism. This article explores the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India and Singapore.