New Delhi, Nov. 20 -- Everybody talks about mental health so much these days; yet, somehow, we misunderstand it the most. We have a sea of information that is easily accessible to us, but very little understanding of what emotional pain actually feels like.

From what I understand of Baek Se-hee's book, I Want to Die, but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which was referred to in a recent Mint column ('Why reasons needn't be ascribed for poor mental health,' 27 October 2025), it is about a woman experiencing dysthymia who also talks about how she seeks comfort in her favourite food. The book is about her mental health journey.

First, I want to clarify that therapy is not something that is meant only for people who are struggling with an illness....